Country/Review Podge Lane - Snow/Hailstone
Based in Cork City, Podge Lane yields his unique authorial voice alongside folk and alt-country stylings. Podge began to independently record and release his original material in 2018 with his debut singles; 'The Dark' and ‘Move on’. With honest to a fault lyricism embraced with explorative instrumentation, Podge was spotted by Echoing STEM as the 2017 newcomer of the year and released his debut EP, People Leave In Colour on April 4, 2018.
Podge Lane returns, adorned in the layers of winter, offering a musical embrace to the chillier days with his double A-side release, ‘Snow/Hailstone’. In this winter-themed exploration, Lane, known for his alt-country melodic finesse, presents a compelling contrast between the promise and the challenges embedded in the winter months.
‘Snow,’ the first track, unfolds as a tuneful country ballad that warmly wraps the listener in its melodic embrace. The banjo's plucked heartstrings add a rustic charm, perfectly complementing Lane's alt-country aesthetic. The lyrics capture the essence of winter, and Lane's delivery infuses the track with a sense of coziness, evoking images of gently falling snowflakes and the quiet beauty of a winter landscape.
On the flip side, ‘Hailstone’ takes a departure into a different sonic realm. Lane crafts metallic rhythms on the resonator guitar, creating a jangling, percussive soundscape that echoes the striking impact of hailstones. The track trudges through each hit of the freezing drops, capturing the harsh reality of winter with a gritty and determined energy.
The decision to explore both the joy and stress of winter in two distinct tracks is a commendable artistic choice. ‘Snow’ and ‘Hailstone’ stand as independent entities, each portraying a different facet of the winter experience. Lane's ability to convey the emotional spectrum of the season through contrasting musical styles showcases his versatility as a songwriter and musician.
The production quality of both tracks is notable, with a clear and crisp sound that allows each instrument to shine. Lane's vocals remain a focal point, carrying the narrative of each song with sincerity and emotion. The banjo in ‘Snow’ and the resonator guitar in ‘Hailstone’ are particularly well-executed, enhancing the overall authenticity of the winter-themed soundscape.
In conclusion, Podge Lane's "Snow/Hailstone" is a captivating winter narrative told through the lens of alt-country melodies. The contrasting styles of the two tracks create a rich and engaging listening experience, offering a well-rounded exploration of the joys and challenges inherent in the colder months. Lane's commitment to portraying the multifaceted nature of winter makes this double A-side release a noteworthy addition to his body of work.