Live Review: LISTEN: Snakadaktal 'Dance Bear' (AMTRAC Remix)

The Triple J Unearthed competition has produced some pretty rad home-grown bands from its musical mind such as Boy & Bear, Willow Beats, Stillwater Giants, and most recently The Griswolds. All of these bands have gone on to become indie royalty and one such band has been remixed by the one and only AMTRAC.

Formed in 2010, SNAKADAKTAL were the winners of Triple J Unearthed High in 2011 because of their advanced songwriting and their unique sound of light dance-pop. Later that year their debut EP was released through I OH YOU records and the band embarked on a national tour showing the indie kids of Australia what they’re made of. Since then, Snakadaktal have been lying low and mixing around some new beats, and the product of these experiments? A little tune called ‘Dance Bear’.

Opening with a solid drum beat and a soft synth, ‘Dance Bear’ is a great example of the bands dream-like sound and maturity. Singer Phoebe Cockburn softly transports you into Snakadaktal’s world with her quiet lullaby whilst the drums bang on behind her. Soon Cockburn is joined by Sean Kelly and their sweet melody reminds you of an evening spent lying in a hammock watching the sunset. ‘Dance Bear’ is most definitely a chilled track, keeping quiet in the verses and waking you up in the chorus with the lyric “tell me you’re there” being sung over louder drums and a smooth guitar.

The remix of the track is equally as dreamy as the original mix. By removing the drum beat, AMTRAC has made the intro even quieter with a of synth eerily wading in the song with Phoebe Cockburn singing in that sweet tone that we’ve all come to love. As Sean Kelly joins in with vocals, a cymbal is added giving ‘Dance Bear’ a hint of suspense, and that’s when you think that something big is going to happen very soon. The end of the verse is met with light synths and a soft beat which playfully dance around until Cockburn and Kelly return. The chorus is smooth and the entire mix keeps a wistful tone making that suspense fade away into oblivion. AMTRAC has done a marvelous job at remixing a track that is relaxing in parts, into a track that is ideal for those romantic sunsets (and just chilling on the hammock, as you do).

Snakadaktal will be performing at Laneway Festival in 2013 and if you liked ‘Dance Bear’ and it’s remix, grab yourself a ticket, go and enjoy your marvelous day out and enjoy what the band has to offer because what they offer, is something everyone needs: a step back from the busy world and a doorway into one’s new relaxation routine. AMTRAC I applaud you of your excellence because now everyone has yet another song to put on repeat for those hot summer nights.

Words by: Lauren Payne, check out her street on POSSE.COM

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