Power Pack Horse Crunch

Album Review

Power Pack Horse Crunch shouldn't be an odd choice for an album title, especially from a band that calls itself SNMNMNM. The eccentric foursome craft an indie pop sound that's practically incomparable. The novelty surrounding SNMNMNM's jaunty rock style is somewhat derived from what Talking Heads and They Might Be Giants have already done; however, these four college friends make it cool to be clever — cleverly strange. Their subject of focus is the amplified tuba. Mark Daumen's funky bass delivery on this oversized brass instrument is the bulk behind Power Pack Horse Crunch, although arena-sized guitar riffs, organ, accordions, and assorted horn arrangements also make way for a funny kind of rock & roll. From the sunny harmonies and crunchy guitar licks of "Danielle" to the funky shimmy of "Spanish Cucumber," SNMNMNM don't get too carried away in celebrating their geekiness. Nerds have feelings too, but the glory of Power Pack Horse Crunch is how the band looks to the flip side. "The Girl Who Laughs Too Much" and "Hollywood" find SNMNMNM nursing wounds of heartbreaks past, and while such themes are bittersweet, SNMNMNM maintain their cool factor and give indie rock new direction in the process.