RETRO REVIEW: SNAPDRAGON DRINKING WATERMELON SUGAR / BY STONEY FEBRUARY 8, 2016 With Snapdragon gearing up for another reunon show, we decidedto take a brief look back at the groups main 1995 release "Drinking Watermelon Sugar." Released in 1995, Snapdragon release "Drinking Watermelon Sugar" landed at a time when releases by touring CSRA bands on national indie labels had picked up included albums kicked out by long-time bands Impulse Ride and People Who Must. While those bands had built histories based out of Augusta starting in the late 80's (both still continuing to perform from time to time), Snapdragon was built out the music of touring singer/songwriter Tara Scheyer who landed in the CSRA in a big way gaining attention almost immediately. Downtown Augusta, despite still being a short trip from the downtown that exists today, was already a hub for original music artists performing at an ongoing run of all-ages venues as well as places such as Joe's Underground, The Red Lion Pub, and Squeaky's Tip Top. With a younger post college community taking root in the area it was only natural for an increase in alternative art and commerce and Scheyer (then Vandevender), with clever lyrics and uniquely chirpy vocals was a great fit for the still growing scene. The band's release that year, "Drinking Watermelon Sugar" is packed with catchy tunes that continue to this day to fill up the setlist at the occasional Snapdragon reunion show. While favorites "Finding My Pieces" and "Farrah Fawcett" remain perfect tracks to draw in listeners of catchy Athens style jangle pop, they are far from the only highlights on "Drinking Watermelon Sugar." With a video made for lead-off track "Superhero's Club" it is still a surprise to this day that Snapdragon didn't draw more attention outside of Augusta. What attention was received was attributed mainly to Scheyer writing which led to time writing for a Nashville song factory with Scheyer and percussionist hubby Kevin returning to Augusta permanently. Since leaving Snapdragon behind as her main gig, Scheyer has built an enormous place in Augusta music with HiFi Felix, a music project geared towards kids. HiFi Felix has appeared on several 12 Bands of Christmas compilations, packed medium sized venues, and continue to bridge pop and rock with family friendly entertainment like no one in the CSRA ever has. Even a short stint running her own doggie bakery didn't slow her down! "Drinking Watermelon Sugar" can be found for download and purchase at several only spots and is a recommended purchase for not just those who want to pad their collection of lokal releases, but anyone who wants something cool and great to listen to! If you are patient, you can find the video for "Superheros' Club" online. TRACKS: 1. Superhero's Club; 2. Finding My Pieces; 3. Orangecrush; 4. Glamour; 5. Farrah Fawcett 6. Matthew Sweet; 7. Scary Clown Robber; 8. Wish; 9. Everytime I Get Up; 10. Mine!!; 11. Blue; & 12. Miss Moss.