ViperSnatch added a touch of the arcane to the airwaves with the debut of their latest fiercely fervent release, Witchcraft Baby.
As the basslines growl, the drums punctuate the production with volition, and the guitars give the release a chilling shadow side, the vocal dualism, which seamlessly switches from innocently light harmonics to visceral outpours of rancour, draws you deeper into the Riot Grrrl revival that leaves plenty of room for folkishly ritualistic experimental expression.
The Central Queensland-hailing three-piece originally convened to bring a female perspective to Australia’s alt-music scene in 2018, but in 2024, they’re proving to be an indomitably unreckonable force at the epicentre of the scene.
ViperSnatch isn’t just following in the footsteps of L7, Babes in Toyland and Jack Off Jill. With their latest release, they chartered their own noir-esque path through grungy, bluesy punk rock while empowering their ever-growing fanbase to resist the limitations that will always be placed on women and stand at your own vanguard in front of the pitchforks. They’re one of the only breakthrough outfits phenomenal enough to be revered as iconic.
Stream Witchcraft, Baby on Spotify now.
Review by Amelia Vandergast