The first album from singer-songwriter Tyler Childers since 2023’s Rustin’ in the Rain, Snipe Hunter is a world unto itself. Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, it’s Childers’ most eclectic and adventurous album yet.
With a 13-song track list, Snipe Hunter delivers some new songs as well as some highly anticipated fan favorites. Childers continues to grow and evolve as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and genres on his latest release, but he still stays true to his Appalachian and country roots.
Beginning with “Eatin’ Big Time,” this album packs a punch right away with the tune’s aggressive vocals and lyrics. The Food Stamps, Childers’ backing band, don’t hold back, either. This song sets the stage and is the perfect opener, complementing the theme of the album and its cover art.
“Cuttin’ Teeth” feels softer, with Childers’ raspy voice taking center stage. The middle of this number features him talk-singing, reminiscent of the late, great Johnny Cash.
Perhaps the most anticipated song of the album, “Oneida” is a love song about an older woman and a younger man. Often performed live throughout his career, it hasn’t had an official release until now. This tender tune is worth the wait; melancholy and earnest, this is one of the strongest on the album.
The best part of “Getting to the Bottom” is its cheeky lyrics and funky groove, complete with a keyboard break. The instrumentation on Snipe Hunter is a bit of a departure from the more traditional country or Americana sounds of Childers’ previous albums, but the diversified musicality creates a new, unique sound for Childers, showcased perfectly on “Getting to the Bottom.”
One thing about Tyler Childers: he can write a song that gets stuck in your head and just won’t come out. The catchiest tune of Snipe Hunter is the fun, yet too short, “Bitin’ List.” Not too deep, not too revolutionary, it’s just plain fun.
The only complaint here is it’s entirely too short; we wouldn’t mind an extra verse or two, just for a chance to hear that chorus again.
“And if there ever come a time I got rabies, you’re high on my bitin’ list”
“Nose on the Grindstone” is another fan favorite, finally at home on this album as a recorded track after live versions snaked their way into fans’ hearts. It’s dark and gritty and doesn’t shy away from the realities of life in Appalachia.
As much fun as “Bitin’ List” is, in this next song, Childers understands life ain’t always pretty in the hills and hollers of Appalachia.
Those from outside the region may not understand, but his songs capture the essence of this place. The haunting, yet simple guitar melody combined with the raw emotion Childers brings to the mic is just what the song “Nose on the Grindstone” needs. No elaborate production here; none needed.
“Watch Out” is the heaviest song so far, bordering on rock ‘n’ roll, with some twang thrown in for good measure. Throughout the album is a loose theme surrounding hunting and all that comes with it, especially showcased here.
“Watch Out” also plays around with a psychedelic sound that pops up later on the album.
“Down Under” sounds like an upbeat pop song, but here again Childers’ mischievous and unconventional lyrics make you take a step back and think, Did he really just say that? This song tends to feel like it drags just a bit, but his expert guitar work makes up for the repetition of the chorus.
Next up, “Poachers” sounds unremarkable compared to songs with more personality on this album. Meanwhile, “Snipe Hunt” is fast paced with an echoing production effect on the vocals.
Here’s another song that is hard to pin down with a specific genre. If nothing else, it’s simply pure Tyler Childers.
“Tirtha Yatra,” which refers to a Hindu pilgrimage, has a classic country sound in every way — except for its lyrics. Here, Tyler sings about wanting to embark on pilgrimages and journeys of his own.
This track really deals with the singer-songwriter and his faith. It’s similar in style to George Harrison’s Eastern-tinged music.
Starting off sounding like a gospel hymn, “Tomcat and a Dandy” has a lot going on. A loud organ and an accordion, an instrument that can be heard in bits and pieces through the album, is almost grating here. The heavily produced instrumentation takes away from the story of the lyrics, but the slightly angelic background vocals add to its gospel-adjacent sound.
In an album from an artist who isn’t shying away from new and experimentation, it’s not entirely out of place, either. Just a bit of an oddball.
Closing the album is “Dirty Ought Trill,” another rock-influenced track with a nice groove. This sounds like classic Tyler, singing his heart out about life in the holler.
It’s hard to pinpoint an exact characterization for Snipe Hunter. Each song feels self-contained, and they don’t blend seamlessly into one another as one ends and another begins. In fact, the breaks between some almost feel jarring — but a lot of the album’s lyrics and rough vocals are jarring.
This works as an album for easy listening, but if a listener gives it their full attention, they’ll get more out of it. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of “Bitin’ List” or “Down Under,” there are some deep meanings peppered throughout. It may take careful concentration to decipher some of Childers’ more passionate singing, though.
What this album is missing is tough guitar work, though it appears on a few songs, but it has heart and certainly a personality; that much is evident just from the album cover alone. Some songs are bland compared to those that are more colorful. There’s a departure from traditional country, folk, Americana, or bluegrass sounds, but they and their influences can be found here, too.
Tyler is clearly having a blast recording this album, and it translates well, but unfortunately, not all the songs are remarkable. This album does have some skips. The stronger songs don’t always make up for their weaker counterparts.
The biggest strengths of Snipe Hunter are Childers’ songwriting abilities, mix of sounds and genre experimentation, and how well he captures the essence of Appalachia and translates it to music with his one-of-a-kind voice. He brings to life the realities of living here while simultaneously painting a portrait of the best of Appalachia.
Without a doubt, Tyler Childers is part of the new generation fighting to preserve the ideals of classic country music while opening the door for more sounds and ideas to be let in. Childers also possesses a pure authenticity that many modern artists, especially in the country genre, are missing. His personality shines through, really vulnerable and personal at times, and his voice is often gritty and raspy but always true.
Each of the 13 tunes were written by Childers, and this is his seventh studio album. Longtime fans will be delighted, while it’s obvious the album will attract new fans, too. With each song a little different, there’s something for everyone. This album is rife with Easter eggs that die-hard fans will catch and appreciate.
What’s your favorite track off of Snipe Hunter?
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Amanda Larch Hinchman
Amanda Larch works as a writer and editor when she’s not in the middle of a good book. Learn more about her work and view her portfolio at www.amandalarchwriter.com/ and keep up with her on Goodreads @_groovyginger_.