Kicking off with the title track, “Shapes in the Trees,” the guys waste no time in establishing a punchy galloping tempo alongside McKeon’s gritty, high-pitched, snarling vocals, creating a landscape that fits perfectly with the atmospheric vibe that bursts with the bands trademark heavy-groove riffs and rhythmic changes.
What a way to open the EP!
Following is, “Barrow Wight,” a track that delves into the band’s “Doomy” influences. Loaded with layers of surprises, the track feels like an all-out assault, with Boland’s guitar riffs taking the spotlight— bringing massive, crushing walls of sound that transition between doom-laden sections and old-school Metal interludes.
McKeon’s vocals shine here; his voice amplifies the song’s ominous atmosphere with moments of beautiful melody. It’s a track that envelopes fragments of the bands love for ’70s Rock, NWOBHM and Prog, all wrapped up tight and served with glorious riff passages and fluctuating tempos. McCarthy’s drumming keeps the entire track cohesive with relentless precision, his style of playing is simply jaw-dropping, and backs up my claims that he is indeed one of, if not the best, drummer in Ireland.
“Burning Red” introduces a slight change in tone, presenting a more groove-driven, Blues-style approach, before blossoming into a captivating journey that sees the band build the atmosphere with passages of blistering tempo changes, and stellar guitar work.
With “Primal Spy,” Snowblind captures a psychedelic essence reminiscent of ’70s Rock while also pairing it with a contemporary sensibility. The track unfolds like an adventure, taking the listener through a variety of soundscapes with mesmerising riffs to the explosive peaks, and I can’t say enough about that the ear-worm chorus that will, inevitably, live in your head rent free.
The EP closes with “Go Forth”, a song that serves as a rallying display and final statement of the bands ability to pen quality bangers. The sheer power and momentum of the track edges this EP towards being strong contender for one of the best Irish releases of the year.
‘Shapes in the Trees‘ reveals Snowblind’s ability to create complex and powerful songs thanks to their expert arrangements, combined with the power of their collective talent.
How this band are not signed and touring the world is beyond logic. 5/5
Stream ‘Shapes in The Trees‘ HERE.
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie 2024