We Can Breathe Underwater.

J.HAR Exclusive Album Review

by Jackson Harlem

The City Snapshot's debut LP, We Can Breathe Underwater, is like a soundtrack to being the coolest guy on campus. Headed by singer/songwriter Warner Watkins, the album is written with a clear perspective and is tempered by the varying characteristics of guitar-exploitation and sincerely rugged vocals.

With tones and styles ranging from folk-inspired alternative to electric and pop-flavored punk, The City Snapshot delivers a fresh fistful of wit and straight-forward flavor.

Abum Review: We Can Breathe Underwater

"Jim Jones" is an intimate, folksy alternative story seemingly taken from the pages of The City Snapshot's diary. With its delicate and breathy phrases barely rising above the sweaks of the guitar strums, the song summons lyrical folk art hues and a pictorial collage of questions to God about loneliness and the loss of loved ones.

"Trophy Scar" is the ultimate hipster anthem of '09. The youthful, edgy ballad details the bitterment of heartbreak obsession and love-trickery. Laced with soaring, punk rock guitar-wailing and witty sentiment, it's no wonder why this track is a crowd-pleasing favorite.

"Fear and Loathing in Your Living Room"

Dating a friend with benefits is a theme often explored by artists, but "Fear and Loathing in Your Living Room" takes a brand new approach to the concept. Don't be lead astray by the title, this joint is a fresh alternative-punk banger! It's the perfect track to let down the top on the convertible and head on over to your friend's summer barbeque as the song brims with optimism and feel-good-ness, if you will. Hopefully, you're "friend" won't be there with her "benefits".

"Owl Eyes" is a journey into the folk-rock abyss of the City Snapshot's party heart. It's a straight shot of gyrating electricity and rhythmic honesty, but don't worry; it's bullshit-free so that means there are no calories.

"Spilling Blood", unassumingly beginning with a mini soliloquoy (think Nina Simone), is like hopping a train outer space before landing in the coolest party in the city. As the album's fulfilling ending, the song streams with blaring, electric phrases and a heightened storyline about a disenfranchised love.

The album rocks...and rolls.

Visit The City Snapshot at Myspace.com/TheCitySnapshot.

J. Harlem