Snail Mail returned to Boston for the first time in awhile for a jam packed night at Big Night Live in support of her recently released album Ricochet. Fronted by Lindsey Jordan, Snail Mail has always put on a fantastic show. Jordan is one of indie rock’s most compellingly understated performers, she doesn’t command the stage in a traditional sense. There’s no theatricality, no exaggerated gestures. Instead, she stands slightly angled toward her guitar, letting the songs do the work. Her voice, cool, almost detached, lands with surprising force in a live setting. That’s what makes her stand out in the indie scene.
A simple backdrop of a house and white picket fence set the stage before the band walked out and launched into the one-two punch that opens Ricochet, the infectious, driving “Tractor Beam” and syncopated and clever “My Maker.” Though most of the setlist for the night took from the new album, Lindsey also played some of her older hits from previous albums like “Heat Wave” from Lush, “Glory” from Valentine, as well as “Thinning” from Habit. It was a great mix of old, new, and fan favorites to keep everyone on their toes.
What’s striking is the tension Jordan maintains between distance and vulnerability. She speaks sparingly between songs, offering brief, remarks and silly banter that barely interrupt the mood. That restraint makes the emotional core of the set hit harder. She even joked that Boston’s venue looked like a room from the move The Shining, to which the crowd got a kick out of.
Her backing band was tight without being rigid. There’s a looseness to the arrangements that gives each song room to evolve slightly from its recorded version. Guitar lines stretch a little further, rhythms breathe a bit more. It’s subtle, but it makes the set feel alive rather than replicated. They did a great job making the crowd really feel the music and dance and sway along to it. Not to mention Lindsey’s insane guitar skills that really bring it all together.
Snail Mail knows how to draw in the crowd and make them feel every emotion with the music. That’s what makes her such a stellar artist. Snail Mail doesn’t demand your attention, she earns it slowly, until you realize you’ve been completely pulled in. So be sure not to miss out on seeing Snail Mail live at a show near you! You can check out more tour dates here.
Photos by Erin Crowley
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