Sneaks latest album, Highway Hypnosis, was released on January 25th, 2019. Music can be strong in an uncountable number of ways. Recordings like Glenn Branca’s 100 Guitar Symphony or Mr.Bungle’s discography have power in the multitude of different sounds hitting your ears at once, fighting for your attention or working as one strong mass. But there is something inherently powerful in an amazing song that is minimal in its instrumentation, yet clearly a work of upbeat art. The core of Sneaks’ (also known as Eva Moolchan) music is a powerful bass line (which she plays herself) dance oriented drum programming, and her uplifting voice. Each song on this album is catchy and interesting though, mixing it up with different song approaches, every one of them getting stuck in my head.  Funk, pop, rap and arguably post-punk are all part of the mix. You may have trouble placing her songs into a genre. This is music that would work at a party, or during a relaxing day-trip car ride.

The album begins with an almost creepy chant with different voices whispering “Highway Hypnosis Highway Hypnosis” right before the start of an excellent beat. The introduction notwithstanding a lot of the album is positive and energizing. Highlights include “PBNJ,” “Devo” and “Hair Slick Back”, but it’s really one of those albums that you want to listen to from start to back.

Highway Hypnosis is definitely more hip-hop/rap based than her last album. It’s a Myth is very indie-pop, and following up with this album right after has given me the best kind of whiplash. Like a more beat-based Superorganism, it is impossible not to be energized while listening to Highway Hypnosis.