Colt 45’s ‘Snakes and Ladders’ EP sits on the harder end of the pop-punk spectrum and, at times, edges towards post-hardcore. Its strength lies in squeezing as much energy as it can into short bursts while allowing some songs breathing space, but there’s enough here to show there’s a versatility to the band.
Easily the standout of the six songs is ‘All Hell Broke Loose’. It surges straight into top gear with some pounding drums and desperate vocals that sound like they’re teetering on the edge of breaking point. Its reminiscent of early AFI by sheer intensity and wouldn’t seem out of place on ‘The Art of Drowning’. Though the pace eases off during the break, it’s a respite from the speed but not the intensity.
‘Square One’ veers more towards the traditional and brighter sound of punk. It’s faster and bouncier, with a killer solo that doesn’t seem borne out of ego but to add depth to the weaving vocal melodies.
‘Two Steps Back’ is in much the same vein and ensures there’s a consistency to proceedings. It also highlights just how much weight a chunky bass can add to a song. During the breakdown, the rhythm section ensures there’s a solid footing for the guitar to climb back up with staccato notes. It’s a brilliant demonstration of just how big a sound can be made by just three musicians.
Colt 45’s vision and ambitions for long-term diversity is best shown on ‘What You See Is What You Get’; restrained, spiralling riffs that are backed by ghosted piano notes before building up to an epic chorus. It shows they’re forward-thinking punks but it may be the one song that is perhaps a bit too different for die-hard, ‘all punk, all the time’ types to listen to. It’s the closest the band get to more traditional stadium rock but it works well within the EP setting.
‘Snakes and Ladders’ is a triumphant EP that showcases a good, British punk band in ascendancy. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of these songs end up re-recorded for a breakthrough album in the near future.
ASHLEY PARTRIDGE