It is at least somewhat fair to say that No Age are typically defined by two things, their drums, and their efforts largely to be a ‘fun’ band. This is still prevalent on Snares Like a Haircut, and longtime fans may find something here no matter what, but as with all energetic rock-pop acts, No Age do best when they are catchy and radio-friendly in a good way; where some bands fail, they shine. Like on the exiting and catchy opener “Cruise Control”, but those spots are rare on here and sounding more like a moody alternative ‘90s band later on is good, but not great. “Drippy” continues some of the more typical fast and noisy No Age, but “Tidal” may be the one track which is no question a drag.
They are great, on the title track, “Snares Like a Haircut”, but “Send Me” is weirdly complicated trippy rock and “Soft Collar Fad” is a little too simple to give that “fun” vibe a full boost.
Are the better tracks enough to prove they can capture the casual audience? Probably not, but No Age have never been the hugely popular rock band that they have the potential for.
Further on they show a spark of 90’s in “Popper” which is very Dinosaur Jr or Nirvana. However, “Squashed”, and “Primitive Plus” are middling in their own either quick (Squashed) or slow (Primitive Plus) way. “Third Grade Rave” is equally awkward, but fun still.
This just means Snares Like A Haircut is still good, but, softly stranger than usual at times. So, No Age is still No Age, just still a kid band.
