When I heard the name Snowden River, it struck me as mysterious. There’s something gothic melancholy about it, a calm sadness, a slight isolation, a secret hidden behind a curtain of rain. I didn’t know what to expect from his music, but just from the name, I felt it would speak in whispers, honestly and with goosebumps. Snowden River is the musical pseudonym of Lukas Roselle, a young guy from Toronto who is 21 years old. Imagine a shard of sea glass, it was sharp but over time became smooth and beautiful. Lukas’s music is exactly like that, it holds stories and emotions within. His new album is aptly called “Sea Glass.” Lukas recorded the album himself, in his dorm room, using ordinary programs like GarageBand and BandLab. That’s why his music sounds very sincere and authentic. It feels as if you are hearing the author’s thoughts, his breathing, and his emotions. If you like artists such as Phoebe Bridgers or Fleet Foxes, and you enjoy atmospheric music like Mazzy Star, then “Sea Glass” will definitely appeal to you. It’s folk, blended a little with dreamy dream-pop and even psychedelic and country motifs.
The eleven-track release opens with the calm, slightly drawn-out “Empty Room.” It has a dreamy folk rhythm and many beautiful instrumental sections that create an illusion of space and freedom. Snowden River demonstrates sincere and somewhat low vocals, he doesn’t exactly sing, but rather tells something very personal, so it sounds very thoughtful. “Open Tab” and “Summer of the Green” continue the warm, cozy vibe of the first track. Sweet guitar and bright acoustics light up the space from within. However, in my opinion, the track “Summer of the Green” turned out especially airy. It floats through the air, leaving a barely perceptible trace behind.
What is captivating in the album’s sound is the author’s skill in organically integrating instrumental parts with vocals. All elements flow smoothly into each other, forming a coherent and balanced sonic picture. As a result, the music sounds natural, without artificiality. For example, in the title track “Sea Glass,” which, in my opinion, becomes the album’s climax, guitar and vocals are in a low register, creating a ceremonial atmosphere and vividly revealing the author’s inner world. The lyrics trace the image of a glass figurine that appears, breaks, and over time turns into sea glass. The musical arrangement emphasizes the contemplative and meditative mood, allowing one to feel every detail of this story.
“Blue (Interlude)” also stands out on the album, in my opinion. Here, the author turns to the ocean for comfort. It’s a short, meditative piece where Snowden River’s voice scatters into polyphony, creating an enveloping vocal choir. The track sounds like a pause for breath, an unobtrusive moment of presence, a soft “I am here” that lingers for a long time. A special place on the album is occupied by the song “Blitzed,” continuing the theme of reflections on life in the mountains and alienation from this world. Musically, the track is effortless: acoustic guitar and harmonica create an intimate musical space. This approach allows you to feel the inner experiences of the protagonist who is searching for his place without fearing to admit that he doesn’t fit into conventional frameworks.
In this search, moments of support and acceptance are especially important, and this is exactly what “One More Time” becomes. In it, the musician gathers a small creative family: Ian Mackenzie performs an expressive guitar solo, while Ray Hawkins, Emma Kate Bates, Sarah Kaisar, Norah Jackson, and Eric Martins support him with backing vocals. The track sounds warm and homely, conveying the joy of joint creativity. And after this bright moment comes a more contemplative note, the song “Evergreen,” a beautiful sad melody in a waltz rhythm. The main instruments here are piano and organ. The song tells about the last moments with a loved one who is leaving soon. But the album is not only about farewells to loved ones; there is also another very touching theme, “Let Me Know,” dedicated to a friend going through a difficult period. The sound of guitars and electric organ here is special: they become louder and quieter, and this dynamic adds lively emotions to the song. The author conveys a message that it’s important to be close to those who are dear.
Against this background, “Maryland” sounds like a gentle memory emerging from the mind. This song feels like a quiet longing for home, for the places where everything began. The waltz elegance softly leads, the protagonist glides over the waves of memories, gradually returning to the images of the past. As the images of the previous songs gradually fade into the background, they are replaced by the final track “Christopher.” Its calmness and slight sadness, the dreamy folk sound of the harmonica, and the pure, ringing guitar solo carefully close the album, leaving behind a bright nostalgia.
Sometimes you really need music that can calm and support you. Well, Snowden River’s music is exactly that! His new album “Sea Glass” can be listened to on repeat. In fact, you should do it to better feel the perfect flow of the album. Don’t miss his music if you’re ready to see the world from a new perspective.
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