Review of Tyler Childers’ new album “Snipe Hunter” by Saving Country Music
Tyler Childers’ latest album, “Snipe Hunter,” has been met with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Some praise the album for showcasing new and unheard material from Childers, highlighting his unique ability to weave humor and meaning into his songs. The album kicks off with the sarcastic yet impassioned track “Eatin’ Big Time,” where Childers jokingly boasts about his achievements. However, as the album progresses, it becomes evident that the biggest flaw lies in the production choices made by Rick Rubin, leading to Childers sounding inconsistent vocally throughout the record.
Childers’ vocal prowess shines through in tracks like “Oneida” and “Nose On The Grindstone,” where his emotional delivery captivates listeners. However, Rubin’s experimental production techniques overshadow the album’s folk-based Appalachian country roots, creating a disjointed listening experience. Songs like “Bitin’ List” and “Down Under” come off as shallow and lackluster, standing out among more compelling tracks like “Getting To The Bottom,” “Watch Out,” and “Poachers,” which showcase Childers’ storytelling abilities.
Despite its flaws, “Snipe Hunter” offers moments of brilliance that deserve recognition. Songs like “Tirtha Yatra” and “Tomcat and a Dandy” explore themes of spirituality in Childers’ signature style, even though the production detracts from their impact. The final track, “Dirty Ought Trill,” falls short of expectations, turning into a misguided attempt at a pseudo-hip-hop sound that disappoints listeners.
Childers’ decision to work with Rubin was a conscious effort to inject new life into his music, but the collaboration fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging listening experience. The album’s erratic nature makes repeated listens necessary to fully appreciate its complexity, showcasing Childers’ growth as an artist despite the album’s shortcomings.
Ultimately, “Snipe Hunter” falls short of its potential to revitalize Childers’ career and establish him as a standout in the music industry. While the album offers glimpses of Childers’ brilliance, the overwhelming production choices and experimental detours detract from its overall impact. Childers’ partnership with Rubin may have been well-intentioned, but the result is a missed opportunity to solidify Childers’ place in the music world.
In comparison to other recent releases, “Snipe Hunter” pales in comparison, with Cody Jinks’ album “In My Blood” providing a stark contrast in sticking to what works best for the artist. Childers’ journey post-Sturgill Simpson as producer remains a work in progress, with “Snipe Hunter” underscoring the challenges he faces in finding his creative compass.
In conclusion, “Snipe Hunter” is a testament to Childers’ talent and potential, marred by inconsistent production choices that hinder its overall impact. While the album offers glimpses of brilliance and showcases Childers’ growth as an artist, it ultimately falls short of the expectations placed upon it. Childers’ collaboration with Rubin marks a pivotal moment in his career, urging him to strike a balance between innovation and staying true to his roots.