ALBUM REVIEW: Snow Coats - If it wasn't me, I would've called it funny

Dutch indie-pop outfit Snow Coats return with their sophomore album “If it wasn't me, I would've called it funny” the album follows 2018’s “Take the Weight Off Your Shoulders.” The album was recorded burning lockdown in the band's purpose built rehearsal/recording space. The record was produced and engineered by Joe Reinhart who has previously worked with bands such as Beach Bunny and Hop Along.

Where do I begin with this review, “If it wasn't me, I would've called it funny” is an album that from the first verse I felt a pure sense of joy and excitement knowing I was at the start of discovering a band I knew would become a firm favourite. Everything clicked instantly and I knew I was in for a treat. The album is a joy to the ears and an effortless pleasure to listen to.

There’s sweet, innocent vocals that sometimes sound very reminiscent of the early 90’s but at others have a contemporary folk feel. Gentle drums, melodic, modestly electrifying, sparkling riffs and loads of my favourite jangling guitars.

The whole album is bright and breezy. There are serious messages within their words and some lyrics stood out and hit home from first listen however the band also inject humor and lighter themes. There’s a notion of taking a lighthearted approach to your own failings.

“If it wasn't me, I would've called it funny” is a rare album that doesn't have a skippable track on it, nothing stands out as weaker than the rest, it flows together perfectly even the slower “Too Good” fits well surrounded by its more upbeat counterparts. It serves as a more thoughtful moment but doesn't bring the mood down.

The whole album is a highlight but a few tracks that really shone out to me are: “For A Moment” it kicks the record off in style with full on jangle, beautiful vocals and perfect danceability. I knew within seconds of this song I was about to fall in love with Snow Coats.

I really enjoyed the folk-ish feel of single “Dinosaur” and the chorus has firmly embedded itself in my memory. It has a certain 90’s vibe reminding me in part of bands like Belly or The Be Good Tanya’s.

The lyric “I wish I had more patience and less regret” in “Ok ok (Sue)” stood out to me. I enjoyed the more simplistic verse coupled with the grand, sparkle laden chorus and cute riff. The quieter, semi acoustic, thoughtful outro verse is absolutely beautiful.

Duet “Chevy” worked really well and added extra dimension to the album. The song reminisces over previous friendships and losing touch with people you once had a true connection with.

“Since We Met” has a beautiful dreamy tone. I love the lyric “it shouldn’t be so complicated but I think easy’s overrated” - it raised a smile but also made me think, we’re all guilty of being attracted to the hard option sometimes. I really like the bright, shiny riff in this track.

“Marie” ends the album on a high. Upbeat, thoughtful, danceable and perfect!

“If it wasn't me, I would've called it funny” is sublime, indie-pop magnificence. It has been produced to perfection, it retains a bedroom rock feel while also sounding complete and well rounded.

You need to hear this album, your life simply won’t be complete until this record is part of it!

Bit of album Trivia: the record's title was derived as a way of encapsulating the band’s self-deprecating and lighthearted approach to their own perceived shortcomings. It specifically comes from an incident where singer Anouk mistook the men's bathroom for the exit when leaving a restaurant. Most definitely the type of thing that's funny when someone else does it, but not quite so amusing when you're the but of the joke!