What makes Black Snakes by Red Krayola notable?

The album is notable for its experimental take on traditional rock formats, contributing to the burgeoning underground music scene of the early '80s. Critics praised its daring blend of improvisation and structured song forms, helping solidify Red Krayola's position as influential figures in the post-punk and avant-garde movements. By the time 'Black Snakes' was released in 1983, Red Krayola had already established themselves as a unique voice in the avant-garde music scene. This album followed their 1976 release, 'Coconut,' showcasing a continued evolution in their sound and approach to songwriting, blending art rock with surrealist themes.

Who is Black Snakes for?

Black Snakes works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, surreal soundscape exploration and engaging headphone detail hunting.

How many songs are on Black Snakes?

Black Snakes has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Black Snakes

Red Krayola · 1983

47 min · 11 tracks · psychedelic rock

A swirling exploration of psychedelic rock that intertwines abstract lyrics with experimental instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Snakes — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its hypnotic rhythm and vivid imagery, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
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A Portrait of V.I. Lenin in the Style of Jackson Pollock, Part 1 (version) — This track exemplifies the band's penchant for merging historical references with abstract expressionism, challenging listeners' perceptions of both art and politics.
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Future Pilots — With its forward-looking themes and innovative structure, this song reflects Red Krayola's ability to push boundaries while maintaining an engaging auditory experience.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo progression
surreal soundscape exploration
engaging headphone detail hunting
thought-provoking listening experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek radio-friendly singles

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Black Snakes' was released in 1983, Red Krayola had already established themselves as a unique voice in the avant-garde music scene. This album followed their 1976 release, 'Coconut,' showcasing a continued evolution in their sound and approach to songwriting, blending art rock with surrealist themes.
Stylistic neighbors: The Velvet Underground· Captain Beefheart· Pere Ubu

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Jam

A shift occurs where the narrative voice becomes increasingly fragmented, mirroring chaotic scenes while invoking a sense of urgency.

This structural choice enhances the feeling of disarray within modern life, illustrating how disconnection can manifest in both language and sound.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Black Snakes 4:41
2 Ratman, The Weightwatcher 2:52
3 The Sloths 6:42
4 The Jam 4:29
5 Hedges 3:48
6 A Portrait of V.I. Lenin in the Style of Jackson Pollock, Part 1 (version) 3:05
7 Future Pilots 4:17
8 A Portrait of You 4:49
9 Words of Love 3:53
10 Café Twenty-One 3:55
11 Gynaecology in Ancient Greece 4:51

What to play next

Listen next

Malefactor, Ade

1989

Go back to

Three Songs on a Trip to the United States

1983

Full Red Krayola discography Artists like Red Krayola

psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata