Album Review: Cutouts – SNAKESKIN
Cutouts released their first, most-anticipated album SNAKESKIN on February 7, which you could also call their “Firstborn.” Singer and songwriter, Alex MacKay, who is also the bassist for Nation of Language, trusted his talent to pursue a new direction in his career.
Formed in 2021, Cutouts consists of solo artist Alex MacKay, who is the sole singer and songwriter. A year after forming Cutouts, he joined as the bassist for the American pop-indie group Nation of Language, established in Brooklyn, New York. Ever since his first single was released in 2021, MacKay carried on the new, yet nostalgic 80s new-wave sounds from Nation of Language to develop his own re-creation and inspiration.
The progression of the songs throughout SNAKESKIN isn’t confined to one genre, besides the sound of the synthesizer MacKay uses in each song. The album transitions between darkwave, synth-wave and punk industrial influences, but not one song sounds the same. Through the energy that lives in the synth-waves and the basslines, MacKay's introspective lyrics navigate his conflicts and the vast scope of larger societal identities.
The album's first single "Zeke” was released nearly four years ago, making for a long-awaited record. “Zeke” sets the message for never giving up on your dreams, a divergence from his takeaways in album-track “Bloodsucker,” which has a personal backstory of MacKay’s internal fear of failure of releasing music that adds a deep emotional resonance with listeners.
The deep motivation to trust himself came alive through this album. “Bloodsucker” represents a type of toxicity of people who use others to validate themselves instead of coming face-to-face with their identity issues. Take “Paw of the Monkey” — a rhythmic and danceable beat that echoes throughout SNAKESKIN, curating dance-punk rhythms.
“You might be lost but you're never abandoned at the paw of the monkey,” MacKay sings in the track. These lyrics convey feelings of reassurance, stating that no one is truly ever alone through community and a safe space.
“Firstborn” is the album's most reflective song. It comments on social structures and the philosophy of self-superiority in cultures where firstborns, especially male heirs, are required to live up to their full potential, not just for themselves but also for their families.
MacKay feels that this patriarchal structure is a harmful concept that should be questioned, and this song brings awareness to this philosophy.
There's a packed amount of thought and introspectiveness that’s dark, yet pleasing. A new meaning is uncovered through every listen and each lyric sheds a new light on what this song means to MacKay, but also on how you interpret it yourself.
The album's long incubation period brings meaning to its message and personal growth for MacKay. His involvement in the Nation of Language and ambitious pursuit of his name through Cutouts shows his growing evolution as an artist.
Catch Cutouts on their 2025 tour, expanding to the West Coast with additions of Seattle and L.A. Grab tickets here.
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