Ok, I'll come clean. This is not actually a thrash metal album at all!!
Then again, I'm at a loss to know exactly what genre it belongs to and I figured Bob Lanois needed a label to grab the attention a little.
After all, there aren't too many precedents that I know of for contemporary instrumental albums featuring the harmonica as a lead instrument. I don't think it can be entirely coincidental that this release has gathered dust for almost three years before being picked up for review on Whisperin' and Hollerin'.
Wikipedia bills his sound as ambient and folk which doesn't really nail it for me. Although there are elements of each, there are also snatches of slow jazz, country blues and even dub reggae to be found.
Bob Lanois himself describes the work as a journey through his family's Quebecian roots and ancient European history. He also speaks of it as "a once in a lifetime experience" so we shouldn't be holding our breaths for a sequel.
The harmonica here establishes a predominantly melancholy mood. The overall feel is lonesome and wistful, like a theme to an imaginary Western with strong existential leanings.
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The soft brushes of bass, guitar and piano are added sensitively so as to enhance Lanois' fine playing and, as you would expect, the production values from younger brother Daniel are exemplary.
As it lasts less than 24 minutes, it would be more accurate to think of the 9 tracks on 'Snake Road' as an extended EP rather than as a full length album. This economy means that the record cannot be accused of outstaying its welcome but, the brevity is not always an advantage. For instance, the shortest track -Le Dravier - has a captivating Cajun lilt but at just 1 minute 15 seconds is gone too soon.
Snake Road is very gentle and understated affair. Lanois doesn't set out to make any bold or original statement but there's such an honesty and simplicity to the tunes that it would be a pity if it passed unnoticed or was disregarded as a novelty piece.
Thrash metal fans should check it out.
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