Snail Quail is this music of Mr. Jimmy, an Arizonan solo artist. His self-released, 5-track Moving On EP offers more than a taste of his talents, and warrants repeated listening to soak it in, with a DIY vibe throughout recalling elements of Violent Femmes, Pavement, and even hearkening back to the proto-punk of the Modern Lovers.

The irresistibly fun and catchy “Opposite Love Song” has a sort of unconventional, story-telling style, and is about a couple who get married at a young age and decide to stay together although they have their problems. “Change in My Pocket” represents the more somber side of Snail Quail with lines like, “Yes, I can’t see the scoffers / Behind your shoulder there / They don’t know what they’re talking about / The ignorant never do”, with light bits of acoustic guitar and piano. “Someplace Better” is a garage-y number on party life (“Whoever invented alcohol / Must either be laughing or crying…), while “Heavy Water” returns to the softness of “Change in My Pocket”. “Moving On” closes the EP sweetly, rallying on to the end, complete with whistling and all. Overall, an absolutely enjoyable listening experience leaving one hankering for future Snail Quail releases still to come.

Check out Snail Quail - Moving On at CD Baby!

Snail Quail - Official Site | on MySpace Music