Speculoos - Snack Pack

Speculoos

Snack Pack
​self-released; 2020

4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Speculoos is the solo endeavor for Finn Westergren. He recently released Snack Pack which is an eight-song album. The artist explains, “This album was written slowly over two long and lonely years. It's a reflection of my struggles with anxiety and the moral arch of the universe, among other things.” This album however does not exactly feel like a long declaration of woe is me type sentiment. I found there to be a good amount of levity amongst some earnest sincerity and even some humor which is why I think it worked so well.

I’m going to turn forty in the next couple of months but I can spot dudes in their 20’s. I’d be very surprised if that was not the case here. This album goes through the existential time crisis a lot of young men go through and maybe I’m off here but that was my impression. I’m guessing he also watches a good amount of Rick and Morty

The album starts with “French Fry’' and despite the name is a pretty epic song - think Anima by Thom Yorke mixed with the self-imposed nerdy suburban malaise of Car Seat Headrest. The vocals are dynamic shifting from quaint gamer like inflection to cathartic release. As the song progresses it goes through a lot of emotional shades quite successfully. I would say this is a great song overall.

The next song “Circadian Faraday Cage Dream” contains big booming kicks, catchy hooks and more, but also successfully melds moments of more or less complete ambience. I loved what he was doing with fades.

Oh jeez, here’s a long one. “Fluffo Rides The Train (Again and Again and Again Forever and Ever).” I get it. Fluffo is tired of mundane routine, has read Kafka too much in his college days and is simply dissatisfied with the pursuit of romantic love. That’s a joke - great tune. 

The album continues with “The Coolest Thing I’ve Done” which has some of the most sincere and warm moments on the album while “Tyl0n Musk'' is perhaps even warmer.  The mood picks up with “The New You!” which is really catchy. What’s going on with “Fuck You Midi”? If it wasn’t for midi language you wouldn’t have countless classic ’80s synth pop hits. Last up the “Sand” which is a digital simulation of you sipping margaritas by a Las Vegas pool in 1972.

​Overall, I really loved this album. The artist was trying to wrap up all the absurdities of life into something clearer. I get that and think you might too. Highly Recommended.

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