PURSE SNATCHER

What do you think when you hear a new song on the radio while driving to work or when you hear something for the first time from your friend’s stereo? You automatically begin categorizing what you’re listening to, don’t you? Comparisons fire between your music-related synapse in your brain as you listen intently. Metal/Rock/Blues/, etc., etc., etc. “They sound like (insert band name HERE)” is a common response to a listener’s first observance of a band’s work. More often than not, any band can be placed in a category effortlessly. This is not the case with the Cleveland, OH-based band PurseSnatcher, who we will discuss in the next two paragraphs. The name itself probably makes you think a thing or two(probably incorrect) so far, whatever that may be.



…PurseSnatcher began when the 4 instrumentalists in the band (Rob Craig-drums, Drew Küntz-bass, Melko Soric-guitars, and Cyril Blandino-guitars) initiated the group’s first works in the band Watson 387 in the spring of 2006. This band(a primordial P.Snatcher entity) allowed musical growth and an gradual understanding of the direction things would inevitably go. Two years into the project, after playing countless shows, recording 2 EP’s, and looking to move further ahead musically, the decision was made to go forward with a sans-vocals approach. The name PurseSnatcher was swapped with the prior Watson moniker and work on a new recording ensued. In September 2008 the debut EP “Narrated By” was released to enthusiastic reply by the Cleveland music scene. Blending math-rock elements with a stony/melodic vibe and a tendency to lean towards the unpredictable earned many a “WTF was that?.I want more” rattling around inside listeners heads after a live set. Comparisons(favorable, at that) have been made to Keelhaul, Pelican, Clutch, Tomahawk…you name it.



…Enter 2010 and the recording of the 1st full length LP (Brainchild Studios). The musical structures have been expanded-upon, building from the learning process endured while making “Narrated By”. The 3 minute epic-blasts have been replaced by more lengthy, “building”, complexly-written tracks. Still based upon how the band started, it is sure to please the ears of both those familiar and those to hear for the first time and try do decide “what is it?” The best way to put it is that PurseSnatcher is kind of the “Frankenstein” of the Cleveland scene. They’re put together with a bunch of different scary pieces, stitched together around a big heart.



PURSE SNATCHER PRESS:



Pavillon (interview & review) 4/08/09 (French/English)
Noise Web Metal Dealer 3/23/09 (French)



Crucial Blast Records 2/27/09
Cleveland.com 9/30/08
LifelessZine 1/23/09 (French)
Cleveland Scene 10/02/08
W-Fenec 2/23/09 (French)