Snailmate is a synth punk, grind-core pop duo out of Phoenix, Arizona made up of Kalen Lander (lyricist, singer, and synths) and Bentley Monet (drummer, backing vocals).

It makes a lot of sense to me that my first contribution to Underground Music Collective is Snailmate. I can go on to tell you the plethora of reasons why you should lend them your ear in all the objective ways. But first, let me tell you the personal, foundation-breaking, ear-pleasing, mind-shifting experience I was thrown into, blindly walking into the venue they just so happened to be playing.

Before we get into it, let me interject with some personal background. While my musical preferences are more a Venn diagram, versus an expected linear groove, I give myself a pat on the back when I stray from my usual playlist — probably concocted during a time of emotional struggle, like encouraging myself to go to the gym.

My usual suspects are more poppy, alternative, indie musicians. Snailmate was a breath of “post-apocalyptic nerd punk rap” (one Facebook comment said). I haven’t been able to stop listening to them since that day, and I’m encouraging you to do the same. In fact, if you have a minute or two to spare and you just want to laugh, I encourage checking out their Instagram or TikTok, where you’ll find videos of Kalen asking why his cat doesn’t make itself useful, and the band taste testing hot sauces from almost any place they can snag them.

I don’t think I’ve ever been lucky enough to get humor, emotion, storytelling, teen angst, and the inspiration to cut all of my band shirts into DIY, distressed punk pieces like I do with these guys. They make my Monday morning rush hour traffic fun and instantly tolerable. You can rock to the heavy synth and drumming, laugh alongside the intensity of the comical lyrics, and throw your hooves up (their request, not mine) when you’re just feeling the fifteen-year-old inside you trying to rock out.

Their recent single, “Trash, Baby,” is about self-criticism and doubt when making art. I think we can all relate. I don’t know about you, but my inability to perfect the six-line stanza can make me feel I’m an instant failure. Therefore, this is our anthem.

We all have those bands we wouldn’t have given a try, had we not heard their story or stumbled across them opening for someone else. They snuck into your earholes and you accepted it. Nay, celebrated it! These guys are just that.

They need to be on your playlist, and you need to check out their vibe. You won’t be sorry.