Sometimes, all we want is music that makes us feel like the main character in a corny, indie flick circa 2012. Snail Mail’s newest record, “Ricochet,” bottles that feeling across 11 tracks, but still not with complete certainty.
Released Friday, artist Lindsey Jordan’s third studio album is her first extended play in five years. Known for exploring nostalgia, youthful angst and matters of the heart — prevalent on tracks like her 2018 song “Pristine,” which has over 37 million Spotify streams — Snail Mail once again leans into these familiar themes on “Ricochet,” tracing the aftershocks of love and loss. Anchored by Jordan’s songwriting and vocals, each song on the project is entrancing, even if occasionally lyrically uninspired.
Opening track “Tractor Beam” is grounded in warm guitar strumming and calming drums that feels straight out of an early 2000s coming-of-age soundtrack. Although it focuses on no longer being involved with someone you care about, the upbeat song feels almost celebratory. Jordan sings, “You can cast my letters to the sea / But you can’t find anyone else like me.” This biting reflection on a failed friendship creates a fun, albeit shallow, anthem that’s perfect to play when you’ve been wronged.
“Dead End” shares the same nostalgic sound but with a more bitter, grungy tone, even including a classic, slowly fading “na-na-na-na-na-na” section. Similarly, the uptempo “Butterfly” has darker undertones, quick guitar riffs and a gradually building drumline. But the song shines most in its lyrical exploration of a toxic relationship: Jordan explores how protecting someone can veer into a sinister, controlling dynamic, singing, “Butterfly, they wanna keep you trapped inside a jar / To be near you.”
As the album progresses, the band leans further into a softer, subdued sound. “Light On Our Feet” paints a beautifully vivid picture of summer nights, renewed love and dreams full of dancing. The atmospheric ballad reminds listeners to embrace the present moment: “Won’t let a day go by / So when it’s goodbye / We’ll be so light on our feet.” “Cruise” holds a similar sentiment about living one day at a time — backdropped by bright horns and sparkly chimes, Jordan vocalizes, “Forget our existence / And we can just cruise.” While Snail Mail’s use of stylistic autotune on these tracks would typically be a source of annoyance, here it adds to Jordan’s twangy vocals in a delightfully funky way that supports its dreamlike atmosphere.
When the band peels back the autotune on penultimate and title track “Ricochet,” Jordan’s raw vocals are excitingly gritty. The song is about someone becoming more successful because of her support and the subsequent resentment that fostered: “You know I’d hoped / Life would screw ya.” As interesting as it is sonically, the track’s vague lyrics prevent it from feeling down-to-earth. Lead single “Dead End” suffers from the same problem — lines like “To be loved is to be changed” simply lack creativity.
If Jordan wrote with more vulnerability and specificity, then “Ricochet” would upgrade from good to great. The foundation is there — the band has clearly found a sound that works for it. Once the writing is nailed down, Snail Mail could skyrocket to greater success.
Contact Skylar Boilard at [email protected].