Blue Plate Special: Snowden
Snowden, an Atlanta-based indie rock band, was the creative brainchild of musician and songwriter Jordan Jeffares. Drawing inspiration from the haunting themes of Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 and its character Snowden, the band’s name reflects the introspective and layered nature of their music. Originally a bedroom project, Snowden began with Jeffares’ home-recorded demos that caught the attention of his brother, Preston Craig. This pivotal moment led to the formation of a full band, transforming Jeffares’ solitary work into a collective effort. The group soon gained traction with their self-released The Snowden EP, which garnered significant local acclaim and earned them opening slots for prominent acts like Arcade Fire and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
In 2006, Snowden signed with Jade Tree and released their debut album, Anti-Anti, a meticulously crafted collection of tracks that blended dark lyricism with danceable rhythms. The album resonated widely, earning the band recognition as one of the “most blogged” bands on the internet and securing airtime with influential DJs like BBC’s Steve Lamacq. Following the album’s success, Snowden embarked on an extensive U.S. tour, opened for Kings of Leon, and performed internationally. Their sound, characterized by fuzzy, echo-laden guitars and Jeffares’ brooding vocals, drew comparisons to acts like Interpol and The Cure while maintaining a distinctive depth that set them apart.
In the years following their debut, Snowden continued to captivate audiences with releases like the Slow Soft Syrup EP and performances across the U.S. and Europe. The band’s evolving lineup, including members Chandler Rentz, Corinne Lee, and David Payne, added new layers to their sonic palette. Despite the coincidental rise in media attention during 2013 due to Edward Snowden’s notoriety, Jeffares maintained that their music remained the true focal point. With pulsating rhythms, introspective lyrics, and a knack for striking a balance between accessibility and emotional depth, Snowden remains a compelling force in the indie rock landscape.
Here are some of my favorite tracks from their discography:
Anti-Anti – from the album Anti-Anti (2006)
The Beat Comes – from the album No One In Control (2013)
Good News – from the EP Snowden (2007)
Keep Quiet (Niva Remix) – from the album Remix by Niva (2014)
Black Eyes – from the album Anti-Anti (2006)
Not Good Enough – from the album No One In Control (2013)
Kill the Power – from the album Anti-Anti (2006)
Come Around – from the EP Snowden (2007)
