Snout (band)
| Company type | Independent rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Founder | Ross McLennan |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Snout was an independent rock group originating from Melbourne, Australia, formed in 1991 and active until their breakup in 2002. Throughout their career, they produced several recordings and received two nominations from the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Awards. Ross McLennan, the band's founder, went on to develop a solo career that included an Australian Music Prize nomination, while Anthony Paine continued his musical journey with the band Black Cab.
History
Established by Ross McLennan in Melbourne in 1991, Snout made their initial appearance on the Half a Cow Records compilation Slice Two in 1992. They maintained a prominent presence within Australia’s independent music community until disbanding in 2002.
Their first release was the 1993 EP Cleans and Brightens under Au Go Go Records, followed by their debut album What's That Sound? in 1994. The original lineup consisted of McLennan handling bass and vocals, Rob Wolf on guitar with backing vocals, and Hugh Williams on drums.
Following the departure of Wolf and Williams after recording, Greg Ng—previously with Afterglow—joined as guitarist and backing vocalist, accompanied by Ewan McCartney (formerly of Ripe) on drums. This formation produced their most acclaimed works: The New Pop Dialogue (1996) and Circle High and Wide (1998).
In 1999, Ng exited the band and was succeeded by Anthony Paine from High Pass Filter, who contributed to their final studio album, Managing Good Looks (2001). Released through W.Minc Productions—managed by Graham Lee of The Triffids and Steve Miller from The Moodists—the album featured guest backing vocals by Rebecca Barnard on two tracks.
Snout extensively toured throughout Australia, appearing at major festivals such as The Big Day Out, Falls Festival, Livid, Sunny Sedgewick, and Meredith Music Festival.
Their concluding live show took place in November 2002 at Melbourne’s Rob Roy Hotel.
During the 2010 Australian Federal election campaign, Greens candidate Adam Bandt mentioned Snout as one of his preferred jangle-pop groups.
Side Projects
While Snout was active, Ewan McCartney engaged in side ventures including The Grapes—with Ashley Naylor and Sherry Rich—and also joined Dan Brodie & the Broken Arrows. Anthony Paine performed with The Hired Guns, whereas Ross McLennan collaborated with his brother Link from The Meanies to form the lo-fi duo Meuscram.
Post break-up
After Snout dissolved, Ross McLennan embarked on a solo path; his album Sympathy for the New World earned a nomination for the 2008 Australian Music Prize. Greg Ng released a hip-hop project titled Straight Out of M-Town under the name DCP. Ewan McCartney continued drumming for The Bakelite Age. Anthony Paine transitioned into guitar craftsmanship with Harvester Guitars while remaining musically active, notably with Black Cab, which received an Australian Music Prize nomination in 2009. Rob Wolf relocated to Queensland where he worked with John Deere tractors. Hugh Williams advanced professionally to become a vice president at Google and a Professor at Melbourne Business School.
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | AUS |
|---|---|---|
| What's that Sound? | * Released: 1994
|
— |
| The New Pop Dialogue | * Released: August 1996
|
98 |
| Circle High & Wide | * Released: May 1998
|
98 |
| Managing Good Looks | * Released: 2001
|
— |
Extended plays
| Title | EP information | AUS |
|---|---|---|
| Cleans & Brightens | * Year of release: 1993
|
— |
| Night and Day | * Year of release: 1994
|
— |
| Cromagnonman | * Released in May 1996
|
198 |
| Winning Smile | * Released in November 1996
|
189 |
| Hey Hey Hey | * Released in October 1997
|
— |
| Circle High & Wide | * Released in 1998
|
— |
| Got Sold on Heaven | * Released in June 1998
|
133 |
| Get in the Car | * Released in 1998
|
— |
| Stocking Feet Grooves | * Released in 2000
|
— |
| Non Stop Fun | * Released in 2001
|
— |
ARIA Music Awards
The ARIA Music Awards are held annually to honor outstanding achievement and creativity within all sectors of Australian music.
|- | 1997 | The New Pop Dialogue | rowspan="2"| Best Pop Release | |- | 1998 | Circle High and Wide | |-