snakeatsnake: The Industrial Noise Architect

snakeatsnake is the confrontational audio project of producer and multi-instrumentalist Leo Vance, emerging from the post-industrial landscape of Sheffield, UK. The project achieved a notable underground milestone when its 2021 album Mechanical Hiss charted on the UK Independent Album Breakers Top 20, a feat for such an abrasive sonic palette.

Early career

Formed in 2016, snakeatsnake began as Vance's solo outlet, channeling the rhythmic clangor of his hometown's industrial past into digital noise. Early self-released EPs like 2017's Rust Gospel and 2018's Weld circulated on niche digital platforms, building a cult following fascinated by his fusion of harsh beats and distorted melody. This DIY phase caught the attention of the experimental label Chromatic Aberration, which signed Vance in 2019.

Breakthrough

The signing to Chromatic Aberration catalyzed snakeatsnake's first major work, the 2020 LP Fault Line. While not a mainstream chart success, the album became a word-of-mouth phenomenon in experimental circles, leading to licensing deals for several tracks in independent film and video game soundtracks. This set the stage for the greater visibility of its follow-up.

Key tracks

Shear Pin — This lead single from Fault Line became snakeatsnake's most licensed track, featured in the acclaimed indie game Neon Vector.

Mechanical Hiss — The title track from the breakthrough album is a quintessential example of Vance's style, layering pneumatic rhythms with melodic synth lines.

Grit in the Gear (feat. Sallow) — A key 2022 collaboration that introduced clean, ethereal vocals to the project's sound, broadening its appeal.

Corrosion Dance — A live favorite known for its relentless, driving rhythm, often serving as the climactic point in snakeatsnake's performances.

Following the success of Mechanical Hiss, snakeatsnake embarked on a series of strategic collaborations, working with vocalist Sallow on the 2022 EP Double Helix and contributing production to tracks by electronic artist Kinetik. Vance's work is characterized by a meticulous, almost architectural approach to sound design, using field recordings from factories and machinery as foundational audio elements. His 2023 album Pressure Drop continued to refine this formula, receiving critical praise for its dynamic range and emotional depth within a harsh genre.

Fans of snakeatsnake's textured industrial noise also frequently explore the catalogs of similar artists featured on our site, such as Author & Punisher, who similarly builds custom instruments for a visceral physical performance. The dense, rhythmic soundscapes of HEALTH share a kinship with snakeatsnake's blend of noise and melody. Listeners are also directed to the early industrial explorations of Cabaret Voltaire, pioneers from the same Sheffield scene that informed Vance's aesthetic.

snakeatsnake's evolving discography has earned consistent rotation across specialized radio formats. His tracks are staples on dedicated industrial and noise radio stations, as well as on forward-thinking alternative rock radio stations and online radio streams that champion electronic and experimental music. Independent music radio stations globally have programmed his work, recognizing its unique position within the UK's electronic music landscape.

The music of snakeatsnake, a defining voice in modern industrial music, can be heard regularly on the radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the abrasive yet intricate world of snakeatsnake by tuning into the experimental and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com.