Snowman‘s new semi-confusingly titled (as in: took me a couple of days to remember it properly) album The Horse, The Rat and The Swan came out last week. Even though I’ve been listening to it pretty much non-stop since it got released, I’ve been avoiding posting about it because I’ve been sure that my initial (very excited) impressions can’t possibly be going to be held up after a lot of listens.

Fortunately, after a week and a half of multiple playbacks per day, the album still resonates as being what will probably end up being one of the best (if not the best) Australian releases this year. Unfortunately, it’s also not likely to see the kind of success or recognition it deserves because the record is going to alienate a significant slice of Australia’s music-buying public. It’s a 38 minute masterpiece consisting largely of moody textures painted with broad brush-strokes interspersed by explosions of frenetic noise rock: terrifying and exhilarating, incredibly cohesive and above all brilliantly executed. I love it.

You will be sure to hear about this album, that’s guaranteed. It’s already got a lot of people talking, and I’m sure it will continue to do so for some time to come yet. However, you are less likely to actually hear the album unless you seek it out, given I don’t imagine it’s going to have much success on the radio. I encourage you to track down some tunes and have a good listen – you may find it challenging initially, but give it some time. It’s definitely worth it.

Need some starting points? The whole album is spectacular, but We Are The Plague is the most obviously catchy song, The Blood of the Swan is a gorgeous slow-burning tune and Diamond Wounds is an absolutely stunning album closer.

Snowman also are doing a national tour in July, with two dates in Sydney at the Annandale on the 17th & 18th.

Listen

• Stream the whole record on Snowman’s MySpace