Snowman is the self title released by the Australian band Snowman released 23 September 2006.
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Album opener "The Black Tide" is a viscous, dreamy, string-laden piece. It sets the scene for the rest of the album. Its dark and hypnotic and is like the beginning of a scary dream sequence in a horror movie.
"You’re a Casino" sports a couple of signature Snowman riffs, highlighting the influence of 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly on their sound. The vocal style during the verses also pays testament to this. The song hits a scary twist come the chorus, with falsetto vocals and some spooky reverb on the guitars.
A haunting vocal melody and stompy chorus holds interest through "Bloodmoney", before "Smoke & Mirrors" comes bursting through your sound system. The first single released from the album is undoubtedly an accomplishment for the band. The galloping distorted guitar and mariachi trumpet intro are straight out of a western movie soundtrack and add another dimension to the album. The muted guitar in the verses lulls you into a false sense of security before the pounding chorus and the roaring finish to the song.
It would be impossible to capture the sheer intensity and all the other elements of a Snowman live show in a recording. What the band and co-producer Dave Parkin have been successful in creating is a dark and absorbing little package that will provide hours of repetitive listening, with each listen showcasing different elements of this eccentric band’s sound.
"Red River", starting with its deliciously layered and suggestive intro is one of the finest tracks on the album for me. They peel back the layers for the verses and the murky guitar is hypnotic. The song swells into a thumping chorus of heavy guitars and toms. “Well the devil’s got plans for you when ya die!” So say Snowman over a Phantom of the Opera-inspired riff as the song builds to its exhilarating climax before giving way to an eerie finish.
"Swimming with Sharks" and "Cocaine Goldrush" are late album highlights, building on themes of excess and naivety while continuing on with the horror motifs like zombies and vampires.
In the final track "The Curse", Snowman lift the curse on this town and the nightmare is over. The track links nicely to the album's opener with the cackly gramophone feel to it rounding out a very tight package of an album. It is an exceptional debut and delivers on the promise that Snowman has teased us with over the years.
Track listing
- "The Black Tide"
- "You Are A Casino"
- "Bloodmoney"
- "Smoke & Mirrors"
- "The Last Train Outta Town"
- "Vampire Blues"
- "Viva La Fever"
- "Red River"
- "Swimming With Sharks"
- "Cocaine Goldrush"
- "Shake Your Brains"
- "Wormwood"
- "The Curse"