Not because the music or the band are funny, although I’m pretty certain the members of SNACKS must have a sense of humor, but because of the sheer amount of truly terrible “Dad” jokes that can be made about the upcoming appearance of the band at the Linger Longer Lounge on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
“I’m hungry. I hope the bar has some Snacks.”
“I came for the drinks but stayed for the Snacks.”
Terrible, right? Most good “Dad” jokes are pretty terrible, but something about them makes you shake your head and laugh anyway. Luckily, SNACKS is not terrible at all, and the only head shaking will be to the infectious beats of their songs. SNACKS’ new(ish) record, “Save You,” which the band put out themselves, was released in February (2025), and it will sneak up on you, right from the opening chords of “My Way.”
In fact, if you’re a devout fan of ’80s new wave music, much of the record, especially “My Way,” will remind you right away of the Thompson Twins. Just picture Molly Ringwald and Michael Schoeffling sitting around a birthday cake in Sixteen Candles as the band’s classic, “If You Were Here” from their 1983 record, “Quick Step and Side Kick,” plays. Rather than aping the song, though, SNACKS takes it to a very different and compelling level.
Zach Jeffries, who is the main (forgive me) Snack, acknowledged the comparison while we spoke over the phone as the band headed towards Houston last week.
“I love (the Thompson Twins). That’s the synth stuff (in our music) going on. If you were to strip down Thompson Twins to a straight-up rock band and take the ethereal stuff out, those were good songs. That was the sound of the ’80s. (“My Way”) is not a lift, either. It could really just be another song on that album,” says Jeffries.
Alabama rockers SNACKS visit Phoenix.
Andrew Winkler
“Yeah, it has definitely been that way for recordings, but then adding people to play shows live. As we figure out more stuff, we definitely bring more people in for the recordings. There has been a rotating cast over the years, but everybody we have now has been playing in the band for the last couple of years, and it is sounding really good live,” says Jeffries.
Along with Jeffries, who plays guitar and does lead vocals while playing live, the touring version of SNACKS features Jess Rothstein on synth and backing vocals, Jake Peters on bass, and Ricky Iniesta on guitar. The Huntsville, Alabama-based band has to get out and travel to play to good-sized crowds.
“Huntsville (Alabama) is maybe an hour and a half south of Nashville (Tennessee) and an hour and a half from Birmingham (Alabama), and used to be a stopping point for bands in the '60s. It was called the ‘Chitlin Circuit’, and lots of R&B bands and older stuff coming through the south came through. Now, there is not much of a music scene, but the city is putting a big effort into having a lot more entertainment. We’re kind of on an island out there,” says Jeffries.
With the strength of the songs on “Save You” and earlier SNACKS releases, the band should see quite a few people on this first trip to the West Coast. Songs like “Waiting” and “In A Bag” evoke further ’80s sonic reference points. Jesus and Mary Chain, which seems to be seeping into many current bands’ music, is another discernible influence.
Like their Scottish influences, Jeffries says the songs on “Save You” have gotten a bit fuzzier as the band explores their live possibilities.
“Our live show is a little harder and a little more sinister-sounding than the recordings, but it translates well. A little more distortion and volume …I love the recordings, but once you start playing with other people, it kind of takes on another life,” says Jeffries.
Jeffries and the band are excited to be heading west, though. They have never played Phoenix before. They only have one concern about the Valley of the Sun: They will be bringing copies of Save You on vinyl.
“We’re a little worried if (the records) are going to melt,” says Jeffries.
My advice is for folks to get to Linger Longer Lounge, grab one of those copies of “Save You” on vinyl, and keep it inside the air-conditioned confines of the bar until it is time to head home. Undoubtedly, SNACKS will be super tasty and deliver the goods in one of Phoenix’s most intimate settings for a show, and you’ll have a great record to play whenever you want.
You can also use this line, too, with anyone who might be staying behind, before you head to the show:
“Honey, I’m going to Linger Longer for some SNACKS.”
Snacks and Phoenix bands Doms and Tears of Joy play Linger Longer Lounge on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The show is 21+ and tickets are available at the door. Doors are typically 7 p.m. during weeknight shows at Linger Longer.
