Album Review: Ricochet by Snail Mail

Written by Liam Hennnessey

A verified veteran of the indie game, Lindsey Jordan’s solo project Snail Mail just released its third studio album Ricochet. Initially bursting onto the indie scene with Habit in 2016, Snail Mail has been one of the genre’s most successful acts over the last ten years. That begs the question; How did a decade of success influence Snail Mail?  

Beautifully produced by Aron- Kobayashi-Ritch, Ricochet excels through highlighting Jordan’s attention to detail as a songwriter. Every layer of instrumentation that Lindey adds to each track falls right into place. Where a lot of the songs off of Habit feel stripped back, Ricochet contrasts this by embracing Snail Mail’s layering approach to song writing. Since Lush and Valentine continued to build on the song writing aesthetic established off of Habit, Ricochet is Snail Mail reaching a true peak in song writing. It feels effortlessly full. Ricochet is truly a no-skip instant classic.

Snail Mail is defined more so than most indie projects by their intimate and introspective penmanship. Jordan has always created lyrics that sound like they were taken straight from Daria, and this project is by no means an exception. That being said, as Jordan herself said on this record, “Can't let you go, so I rearrange. 'Cause there ain't no dancing around it. You have changed.” It’s very clear on the track that she’s talking to someone else, but this also feels like self exploration of her own musical growth and transformation. 

So, how does Snail Mail sound after a decade of success? It sounds as good as fans had hoped. This album remains true to form for Snail Mail’s sound without seeming stagnant. Jordan does everything you’d want from an artist with this project. If Ricochet is where Lindsey Jordan’s song writing is peaking, fans should be incredibly excited to see what the next ten years hold for Snail Mail. Lindsey Jordan delivers a new indie standard bearer with Ricochet, one that, unlike its name, will be recognized for its quality rather fast.