Brighton “gritpop” duo snake eyes have returned with their first new music of the year. Titled ‘hug me’, it sees the pairing of vocalist/guitarist Jim Heffy and drummer/vocalist Thomas Coe-Brooker deliver a grungy and melodically catchy number. It also features guest vocals from Erik Heise of German punk chart toppers and touring buddies Pabst.
Despite its infectious hook, ‘hug me’ has a deeper meaning for Heffy. “‘hug me” is a song close to my heart. i was signed off of work with an anxiety disorder in late 2023 and it was one of the darkest periods of my life,” snake eyes vocalist and guitarist shares. “The medication made the anxiety much worse before it got any better, to the point I couldn’t face going to the shop let alone seeing friends. I barely left the house, I lost my job and was at total odds with myself for the best part of a year. it felt like my mind and body were two different entities with two different sets of needs and it felt almost impossible to keep both happy at the same time.”
“I wrote these words when I was trying to make sense of what had happened to me and what was next. it’s a song about recovery, love and empathy. at this point, i still have bad days. my recovery is very much a work in progress. if you suffer with anxiety or depression, we got you. ‘hug me’ is here to give you some positive energy. share the love”
The track, released through Alcopop Records, also has a music video which takes inspiration from The Verve‘s classic ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’. “‘bitter sweet symphony’ is one of the first music videos I remember seeing and being totally captivated by,” says drummer Thomas Coe-Brooker. “I had the fun idea of a pastiche of it as a second scene for ‘hug me’. instead of having a disregard for his surroundings, jim is trying to share the love with his passers by… who have a disregard for him! there’s a bunch of fun shot-for-shot references in there, see if you can pick ’em out.”
Despite the departure of bassist Sophie Douglas last year, Snake Eyes have soldiered on and will continue as a live duo for the foreseeable future. They’re about to kick off a run of European dates supporting Dune Rats, which will include three UK dates next week. You can also catch them playing with You Me At Six later this month, before a one-off show alongside Kid Kapichi next month.
February
13th Earth, London (w/Dune Rats)
14th Yes, Manchester (w/Dune Rats)
15th King Tuts, Glasgow (w/Dune Rats)
17th Pavilions, Plymouth (w/You Me At Six)
19th Beacon, Bristol (w/You Me At Six)
March
22nd The Parish, Huddersfield (w/ Kid Kapichi)
