Snail Mail's 'Ricochet': A Journey Through Growth and Sound

Lindsey Jordan, the 26-year-old frontwoman of Snail Mail, has transitioned from a teenage indie rock enthusiast to a prominent figure in the genre. After forming Snail Mail in 2015 and releasing her critically acclaimed debut album, *Lush*, in 2018, Jordan quickly became a notable name in indie music. Following her sophomore album, *Valentine*, in 2021, she now presents her third album, *Ricochet*, which showcases a significant evolution in her sound and artistry.

NME | New Musical Express

The five-year gap between albums was partly due to Jordan's struggle with vocal polyps, a condition that severely impacted her ability to sing. “I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out,” she explained. This experience not only challenged her career but also provided her with a new perspective on her artistry. “It actually does feel like a positive thing,” she noted, as she emerged with a fresh singing voice and a newfound falsetto range.

“I had vocal polyps. It was really intense. I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out. But I learned how to talk again. I learned how to sing again”: How Snail Mail's Lindsey J

For *Ricochet*, Jordan adopted a different songwriting approach, working on multiple songs simultaneously to expedite the creative process. “I started as soon as I possibly could,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to capture the essence of her influences from the 1990s, including bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Bush. The album features a blend of catchy melodies and diverse instrumentation, with tracks like “Tractor Beam” and “Light On Our Feet” incorporating string sections that enhance the nostalgic feel.

“I had vocal polyps. It was really intense. I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out. But I learned how to talk again. I learned how to sing again”: How Snail Mail's Lindsey J

The lyrical content of *Ricochet* reflects Jordan's introspection and experiences within the music industry. Songs like “My Maker” and “Butterfly” delve into themes of mortality and the challenges of maintaining authenticity amidst industry pressures. “Being in this for this long, I’ve just seen some crazy bullshit,” she remarked, highlighting her efforts to remain grounded and human in a demanding environment.

NME | New Musical Express

Jordan expressed her intent to create an album that resonates with her personal history and musical upbringing. “I wanted to make something expressive out of what felt like a waste of so many years of my youth,” she said, indicating her commitment to authenticity in her work. Critics have noted the album's successful homage to '90s rock, with many praising its inventive chord progressions and emotional depth.

“I had vocal polyps. It was really intense. I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out. But I learned how to talk again. I learned how to sing again”: How Snail Mail's Lindsey J

While *Ricochet* has garnered positive reviews, some critics have pointed out that the reliance on nostalgic elements may overshadow Jordan's unique voice. However, she remains focused on her artistic vision, stating, “I definitely think I’m getting better at knowing what it is I need to do to write.”

“I had vocal polyps. It was really intense. I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out. But I learned how to talk again. I learned how to sing again”: How Snail Mail's Lindsey J

With *Ricochet* set for release on March 27 via Matador, Jordan is already looking ahead. She has begun working on new demos and plans to tour the UK and EU in June. “Hopefully the next one won’t take that long,” she concluded, indicating her readiness to continue evolving as an artist.

“I had vocal polyps. It was really intense. I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out. But I learned how to talk again. I learned how to sing again”: How Snail Mail's Lindsey J

• “I had vocal polyps. It was really intense,” — Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail

“I had vocal polyps. It was really intense. I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out. But I learned how to talk again. I learned how to sing again”: How Snail Mail's Lindsey J

• “Being in this for this long, I’ve just seen some crazy bullshit.” — Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail

NME | New Musical Express

• “By the time I was ready to sit down and write the lyrics, I just wanted to make something expressive out of what felt like a waste of so many years of my youth,” — Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail

NME | New Musical Express

• “I definitely think I’m getting better at knowing what it is I need to do to write.” — Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail

“I had vocal polyps. It was really intense. I didn’t sleep for an entire month. There was no sound coming out. But I learned how to talk again. I learned how to sing again”: How Snail Mail's Lindsey J