Joe Sneva

The Sweet Dominiques, a Seattle alternative rock band, consists of three lively guys: Joe Sneva, Jarrod Fenner, and Brady Miller. Together, they create a surf rock meets the Pacific Northwest breed of country kind of sound, although this label is anything but limiting.



The eclectic composition of The Sweet Dominiques’ music allows for a stream of different vibes from across the board. In the song “Friends,” The band members demonstrate a Doo-Wop/50’s pop sound akin to The Mills Brothers or Del Shannon’s “Runaway”. The song, “Love Love Love” reminds listeners of a time in the sixties when “All you [needed] was love,” via The Beatles. Other songs, such as “Jukebox Annie” display similar traits to Indie rock groups such as Okkervil River; their lyrics are mature and confident, yet their sound is fun and danceable. Although it is easy to find comparisons to the relatively new Sweet Dominiques, this kind of collective sound makes for a playful collection of music.



The best part about The Sweet Dominiques, is that they remind listeners of youth and what it’s like being young and recklessly in love. In songs, such as “I Want it All,” Joe sings, “I’m lookin’ for love, but love’s not lookin’ for me,” expressing the pangs of honest, pesky love.



But the truth is, The Sweet Dominiques are extremely lovable; right down to their very core.

- The Band Lounge

Joe Sneva plays the sort of wistful, crisp, sun-soaked tunes that recall time spent at the beach during the summer. Rather than unabashedly creating celebratory music of youthful escape, Sneva’s songs range from upbeat, Jason Mraz-esque sing-a-long to expansive and haunting compositions of loose guitar riffs and dragging tempos. The Monterey Sessions shows Sneva as a multi-talented artist who really, really loves writing songs about women.

He never quite commits to a single genre, which may be his way of evading his lyrics. “The Tide” starts off sounding like a beach-pop gem but leans away, almost instantly, towards a bouncy, reggae bass-line. Suddenly, after a few verses, Sneva has a sporadic guitar solo and a harmonica is introduced. At the end of the song, Sneva repeats the chorus, “Get high/Like the tide” in a quiet exhale, as if suddenly running out of ideas. Throughout the album, he remains consistently soft as a singer, often layering himself to emphasize certain lyrics, giving the impression that he just woke up.

“Stephanie,” a highlight of the album, may be the most coherent track because Sneva creates a laid-back, catchy song about a girl he loves. The sound quality of the album is impressive and, between the subtle bongos and well-placed effects he places on some instruments, he proves that he values quality.

While Sneva has trouble focusing on a single genre in each song, he doesn’t seem like a sporadic artist. Since he’s able to successfully write in different song formats and uses a studio to record his music, he obviously wants to incorporate different concepts into his songs in order to show his versatility. Despite his random genre transitions, Sneva knows exactly what he’s doing.

Self Released
For more, visit joesneva.bandcamp.com
- What's Up Magazine

Posted by Adam Bates on 9/11/11 • Categorized as September 2011

The Sweet Dominiques deliver a tasteful blend of pop, surf rock and a certain degree of innocence. They evoke of feeling of simpler times, of coming of age in an era most of us know nothing about. Their song “When We Were Young” describes being 17, when girls wore saddle shoes and boys wore leather jackets and plain white tees, where “all my pals would stare at the gals.” They nail the sound and aesthetic of the 1950s, with a modern and fresh look.

The four-piece band is what I imagine the lovechild of The Beach Boys and the Velvet Underground would sound like. Each member sings, in harmonics and a choral fashion, with two to three guitars strumming simple progressions.

The album begins with guitar and harmonica on “Sandal in the Rain,” setting the tone for the rest of the recording. It’s down tempo, but catchy and hummable. Followed beautifully by songs like “Jukebox Annie” and “Drinkin’ Rum,” The Sweet Dominiques transport the listener to the beaches of southern California. But it’s not all fun and games. There are a few minor chords thrown in for good measure on songs like “Lost,” the record’s last track and strong finisher.

“Palm Trees” features a horn section and classic reggae/doo-wop sound. Singer Joe Sneva delivers lines about beautiful women whose lips taste like honey and other equally clich d lines without sounding trite or forced. Unfortunately, Sneva tries his hand at rapping on tracks like “Louisiana” and “Drinkin’ Rum,” which seems very SoCal. The Sweet Dominiques do a sound more akin to Buddy Holly than Sublime, which is why the rapping falls flat on this album.

Many of the tracks on Record Store Rumble clock in below the three-minute mark. These songs are not groundbreaking, proudly displaying a classic song structure and sound. Each one of these fifteen tracks on this record feel good without being repetitive. The Sweet Dominiques are damn fun and are sure to deliver an impressive and uplifting live set.

Self Released
For more, visit reverbnation.com/thesweetdominiques
- What's Up! Magazine

The Sweet Dominiques began in early 2007 but haven’t always held the sweet-as-sugar indie pop sound they do today. The duo of Joe Sneva and Tony Gonzalez has been down several musical roads on their journey, but once they found a winner, they didn’t look back. While characteristics of their past have certainly bled into their songs, especially evident in the twangy alt-country stylings of “Appaloosa” and “Sandra Pray For Me,” Sneva and Gonzalez have created an accessible and inviting sound.

Part of what makes The Sweet Dominiques’ sound so appealing is the obvious care taken not only in their musical composition, but in their production. The heart and soul of Sneva and Gonzalez’s music comes not from the instruments they use or the way they use them, but in the grueling studio work that follows every recording session. Every turn of the knob or push of a fader is evident in their recordings, from the reverb-soaked “Stephanie #2” to the dense soundscape of “The Same Fears.”

The duo is currently working on releasing an EP while touring around the Pacific Northwest. - The AS Review

The Sweet Dominiques have operated under a number of guises, from a duo to a seven-piece collective of sorts, with surf rock, hushed indie-folk, and jam-band instrumental workouts providing the raw materials. These days, a trimmed down Dominiques, comprised of founding member Joe Sneva in front and Tony Gonzales behind the kit, practice a simpler aesthetic. This streamlined version still carries many of the hallmarks that have defined the band throughout its evolutions, but with a directness made possible by such sparse and subdued instrumentation. The elemental nature of its parts seems to have a magnifying effect on the solidity and charm of the music as a whole, creating something that is more than it appears to be. NICHOLAS HALL - Seattle Weekly

Since the start of the band in the winter of 2007, The Sweet Dominiques has seen many forms and faces, from a 3-piece alt/country sound, to a four-piece featuring mandolin and violin, to a year-long stint in southern cali holding 7-members, finally nestling in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Though The Sweet Dominiques are often seen in many forms, it remains the expression and music stylings of acclaimed singer/songwriter, Joe Sneva. A smooth blend of 50's pop, surf rock, doo wop, reggae, flavored with a little country…perfect for drinking cold beers in warm weather! - What's Up Magazine

The Sweet Dominiques’ Seattle brand of lo-fi indie/folky/surfy goodness just feels good to listen to, and they’ll be at the Skylark for free. There is no valid reason not to go see them. The show at the Skylark starts earlier than the others, so it stands to reason that it will end earlier than the others. One could easily see them at Skylark and make it in time to see the headlining act in any other part of our fair city.

- SSG Music

The Dominiques are the facet through which Joe Sneva’s music is born. A Skagit Valley local, he recently returned from a long stint in southern California. Being long time friends with Kristi Nelson, who does back up vocals and keyboards for The Conductors, it was no surprise that the three other members of The Dominiques were Conductors themselves. Zach Vanhouten and Jarrod Fenner played their same instruments, lead guitar and drums. Adam Campbell switched from playing banjo in The Conductors, to bass in The Dominiques. The overall sound of The Sweet Dominiques reminded me of late 1950's rock and roll. A style that if done right is truly timeless. They were a little more country than Buddy Holly or Richie Valens, having more of a Chuck Berry sound. Their chord progressions had the obvious changes, but Joe’s authentic melodies breathed new life into a forgotten subgenre. - What's Up Magazine

It’s always great when a band name fits their sound. This is exactly the case for this latest self titled release for The Sweet Dominiques. The CD is composed of 10 tracks of sugary sweet pop that have collected snapshots of the 50's, 60's, and mixed them with more current folk musings.

The sound could be best described as folk pop rock. The Sweet Dominiques’ folk music is complimented by other influences such as the Beach Boys, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Dylan, and even a dash of reggae. While nothing there could be considered new, this list of influences makes the album easy to listen to. Many of the songs have catchy melodies that keep you humming long after they have played. You get a feeling of bubbly melodies and rhythms staying in the positive as songwriter Joe Sneva tells stories of county fairs, country life, love and things that we can all relate to.

While the band’s myspace lists its members, the CD jacket only lists Joe Sneva as the songwriter, and Jarrod Fenner as the producer. Joe did a good job picking the players for his tunes. The guitars are spanky or lush as appropriate for the song. The bass is full, never overplayed and compliments the tracks. The percussion’s timing is spot on. The harp has that tweedy tone lacking harshness.The backing vocal harmonies have a back woods country feel to them, nice. The overall production on the album is solid. It’s clear with room for each instrument in the mix.

Overall this 10-song release by The Sweet Dominiques is a pleasant listen. It’s one of those albums you put in to enjoy some mellow down time.

Self Released
myspace.com/thesweetdominiques
- What's Up Magazine

Seattle’s own The Sweet Dominiques are going to show you what its like to take some airy-pop and effortlessly infuse it into their signature folk-indie style. Sometimes Compared to Iron & Wine as well as using some elements of Devotchka with wee bits of Band of Horses, you could easily claim that they’re on the right track. If you missed them at The Skylark not so long ago there is another chance tonight at the oh-so fitting Tractor Tavern. You’ll be glad you did. - SSG Music

2 approaches to getting the MD to listen to your local band:

1. “The Onslaught”: use your friends, families, and fans to inundate The MD’s inbox with ‘spontaneous and genuine’ requests for your band. The ‘spontaneous and genuine’ emails should read like this:

“I heard this new band, The Sweet Dominiques, playing a show and would love to hear them on your station! I think that other listeners would agree!”

Make it easy for your friends, family, and fans to cut and paste the ‘spontaneous and genuine’ requests and provide the MD’s email. No hard feelings, Sweet Dominiques! I like you and your fans are clearly invested in your success, not to mention obedient!

2. “The Spontaneous Meeting”: Ask a stranger at The Mountain Booth at the U Village Concert Series how to get your music on and Emerging Mountain Artist CD. You never know, that stranger might be a Music Director! Be charming and enthusiastic about your band, and then follow up by hand-delivering a CD and press kit to that MD’s office.

Of course, neither of these approaches work if your band blows. But neither The Sweet Dominiques or Cody Beebe and The Crooks have to worry about that! Take a listen to these two very different Emerging Local Artists: The Sweet Dominiques, who sound like they love The Velvet Underground; and Cody Beebe, who will appeal to fans of The Allman Bros and Ray LaMontagne. - 103. 7 The Mountain

Take a handful of the melodic genius of Iron & Wine and Devotchka. A scoop of melancholic unorthodox violin, coupled with some country finger picking twang; think Old Crow Medicine Show. Mix it with some solid bass lines and dynamic drum beats. Top it off with simple conversational lyrics and layering about the harder side of love and life in LA and the Washington countryside. What does it taste like? Seattle’s newly formed band, The Sweet Dominiques. In short, a good noise.

The Sweet Dominiques were formed when singer/songwriter, Joe Sneva (Sweet Talkin', 2004) moved from L.A. back to Seattle. After two years of playing with Pasadena based band Further (Experimental Rock & Roll), Sneva left to seek a new sound. Returning to Seattle early 2007 Sneva began writing songs, seamlessly blending his musically-varied background while seeking to expand himself in the scene of a new city.

The new sound Sneva found was distinctly refined with the rekindling of an old friend, classical violinist David Dunning. After Sneva and Dunning hashed out a handful of innovative tunes, they set out in search of a full band to complete their sound. With no shortage of musicians in Seattle it wasn’t long until Adam Mandelin and former drummer of the Seattle Band 'Hoquiam', Bryce Stevenson joined in to complete the sound. Together they’ve hit the studio and began recording. The self-titled EP The Sweet Dominiques is available to the public upon request.

The Sweet Dominiques are playing throughout the Seattle area and promise an entertaining and unique live show. They’ve credited as there influences the sounds of Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith and The Clash.

Contact at The Sweet Dominiques @ Myspace
- Seattle.net