Most descriptions of Fresh Snow include the word “instrumental,” but that’s no longer accurate on their new EP. Two of its five space-rock epics feature guest vocalists: DIANA’s Carmen Elle on Proper Burial, and Fucked Up’s Damian Abraham on Don’t Fuck A Gift Horse In The Mouth. Both contributors help reinforce the two extremes of the Toronto band’s sound, with Elle bringing their melodic pop influences to the foreground and Abraham’s throaty shout-singing emphasizing their punk side.
You could argue the singers aren’t a necessary addition, but they do help the band explore some musical territories more deeply than they could have otherwise. Their recordings still feel much more controlled and focused in comparison to the raw, explosive energy of their shows, and that seems like a deliberate distinction. As much as improvisation has always been at the core of their sound, so has careful post-production and editing. Won captures both aspects, while also demonstrating that they can come pretty close to writing conventional songs – when they feel like it.
Top track: Blood In The Sun
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