Emerson Snowe explores internal struggles on That's Rock 'n' Roll
The debut EP from Emerson Snowe, That's Rock 'n' Roll, is an inspiring collection of songs exploring the internal struggles and dealings of his own vices
Emerson Snowe is the solo project from Brisbane musician Jarrod Mahon, also known as the bassist of The Creases. His debut EP That's Rock 'n' Roll is an inspiring collection of songs spanning across two years, which explores the internal struggles and dealings of his own vices, while also addressing love and romance. The EP is honest in its approach, as Snowe leaves everything on the table with his very personal lyrics.
“Human” is the recent single from the EP, filled with a breezy, summer feel, garnered by the bright guitars, catchy chorus and the repeated phrase “Like a human”. Snowe is talking to his parents in this song as he almost pleads to him how he wants to be better and not let them down. The cheerful and warm tones continue on “Our Home”, with simple strumming guitars and sugary, sweet lyrics, like “Finding one another, learning to care for one another”. “If I Die, Then I Die” from the beginning appears to be a dark and somber song, however, once the chorus comes in, Snowe sounds as if he accepts the inevitable fate of death.
Throughout That's Rock 'n' Roll, upbeat instruments are cleverly juxtaposed with his lyrics to give a sense of uncertainty, while Snowe searches for personal discovery. This is most notable on “Boy In Control”, where Snowe brings back those bright and sweeping guitars, while he describes his mental state and the feeling of losing control. The tone then shifts with “Could You Love Me” with a mellow, unhurried sound accompanied with an organ-like synth. This is a romantically driven song with softly sung vocals to make it sound more dream-like. Snowe explains his favorite dreams about the person he loves and puts forward the rhetoric question “Could you love me like you do / When I am dreaming?”.
The tempo is once again lifted with “Sunlight”. A simple yet effective synth chord progression, matched with a heavy snare that moves the song along to a moderate march, helps make this one of the catchiest songs on That's Rock 'n' Roll. The EP finishes with “You Say”, an optimistic song that leaves you in a state of peacefulness.
That's Rock 'n' Roll allows you to step into the rich mind of Emerson Snowe, as he explores the fundamental ideas of self-reflection, acceptance and personal growth. There is no doubt Snowe is capable of creating memorable and upbeat hooks, but it’s his lyrics, describing the internal battles of life, which will connect with you on a much deeper level. Those who have not seen or heard Emerson Snowe before will be pleasantly surprised with his debut EP.
Emerson Snowe's That's Rock 'n' Roll is out now via Liberation Records.
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