Snow Angels

"Snow Angels" is a gritty, high-energy exploration of toxic masculinity, emotional suppression, and drug abuse. The title itself is a double entendre: while it evokes the innocent childhood image of making shapes in the snow, in the context of the lyrics, it serves as a metaphor for cocaine use (often referred to as "snow") and the temporary, hollow euphoria it provides.

The opening lines—"What makes a man suppress all his feelings? / To only hit the ceiling / With a nose full of blow"—explicitly link the inability to process emotions with destructive behavior. The song suggests that when men are conditioned to hide their vulnerability, the pressure eventually erupts in manic episodes fueled by substances. The "mouth that won't stay closed" depicts the hyperactive, ego-driven rambling often associated with a cocaine high.

Beyond the drug references, the song touches on themes of grief and identity. The album Ill Times was heavily influenced by the death of Ambrose Kenny-Smith's father, and "Snow Angels" can be seen as a reaction to that loss—choosing obliteration and noise over quiet mourning. The advice to "don't try to fix your reflection" warns against vanity and the futility of trying to maintain a perfect public image while internally crumbling.

The song opens with a direct inquiry into the nature of emotional suppression, questioning what drives a man to bottle up his feelings until he inevitably explodes. This internal pressure is described as "hitting the ceiling," a reaction fueled by substance abuse, specifically depicted with the imagery of a "nose full of blow" and a mouth that cannot stop talking—a manic state induced by drugs.

The narrative weaves through the consequences of this lifestyle, warning against the obsession with one's own image or "reflection." The lyrics suggest a struggle between maintaining a facade and the burning reality within one's soul. The recurring motif of "Snow Angels" serves as a central metaphor, likely representing the fleeting, cold comfort found in drug use (slang for cocaine) or the users themselves, who leave temporary impressions before fading away.

As the song progresses, the energy intensifies, reflecting the chaotic mix of ego, grief, and intoxication. The protagonist seems caught in a cycle of highs and lows, using these "snow angels" to take away the grayness or pain of reality, ultimately painting a portrait of toxic masculinity where vulnerability is replaced by chemical escapism and loud, distorted bravado.

"Snow Angels" was released on July 19, 2024, as a standout track on the Deluxe Edition of the album Ill Times. The project is a collaboration between two heavyweights of the Australian psychedelic scene: Jay Watson (GUM, Pond, Tame Impala) and Ambrose Kenny-Smith (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, The Murlocs).

The song was written and recorded during the sessions for Ill Times, which were deeply impacted by the passing of Kenny-Smith's father, musician Broderick Smith. While the album features themes of loss, "Snow Angels" channels that energy into a more raucous, rock-oriented direction. Jay Watson handled the instrumental duties, layering fuzz guitars and synths, while Ambrose Kenny-Smith provided the lyrics and his signature vocal delivery. The track was mixed by James Ireland and mastered by Joe Carra.

It was released digitally in July 2024 to accompany the announcement of the Deluxe Edition, with physical vinyl releases and tour dates following in late 2024 and early 2025. Critics highlighted it as a "deep cut" that should have made the standard album, praising its raw energy and heavy instrumentation.

The song relies heavily on the central metaphor of "Snow":

• Snow / Blow: A direct slang reference to cocaine. The "nose full of blow" line anchors this interpretation, turning the innocent imagery of snow into something illicit.
• Snow Angels: Traditionally a symbol of childhood innocence and impermanence (an impression left in cold powder that vanishes). In the song, this represents the fleeting high of drugs. The users are "making angels" in the powder, creating a temporary, beautiful mess that ultimately melts away to reveal the cold ground beneath.
• The Ceiling: Represents the breaking point of emotional suppression. Hitting the ceiling is the explosive release of pent-up feelings, distorted by intoxication.
• Reflection: Symbolizes the ego. The warning not to "fix your reflection" suggests that the distorted self-image seen during a high is false, or that obsessing over how one is perceived is futile when the internal self is "burning."

The primary emotion is manic intensity masking deep-seated pain. It captures the specific feeling of a drug-fueled bender where euphoria is brittle and constantly on the verge of collapsing into anger or sorrow.

There is a sense of defiance in the loud instrumentation, but the lyrics betray a desperation to escape reality. The heavy distortion and shouting vocals create an atmosphere of tension and release, simulating the cycle of suppression and explosion mentioned in the first verse. It is not a happy song, but rather an electrified, anxious one.

While a recent release (2024), "Snow Angels" has quickly become a fan favorite within the fervent King Gizzard and Tame Impala fanbases. It represents a significant crossover event in the Australian psych-rock scene, uniting the two biggest camps (Pond/Tame Impala and King Gizzard).

The song's candid discussion of drug use and toxic masculinity resonates with modern conversations about mental health in the music industry. Reviews have cited it as a highlight of the Ill Times era, praising it for bringing a harder, rock-focused edge to the duo's collaboration. It has been performed live on their 2024/2025 tours, where it serves as a high-energy peak in the setlist.

The lyrics follow a loose, driving rhyme scheme, often utilizing AABB or internal rhymes to maintain momentum (e.g., "feelings" / "ceiling"). The rhythm is uptempo and relentless, characteristic of garage rock. The vocal delivery is syncopated, often punching on the downbeat to match the driving snare drum.

The pacing is frantic, mirroring the "upper" nature of the drugs described. There is little room to breathe in the verses, which replicates the breathless rambling of the "mouth that won't stay closed." The chorus provides a slight melodic release but maintains the high-energy rhythmic pulse, ensuring the listener never settles into a calm state.

Musical Techniques:

• Wall of Fuzz: Jay Watson employs a thick, distorted guitar tone that creates a "wall of sound," mirroring the chaotic mental state of the lyrics.
• Harmonica Bursts: Ambrose Kenny-Smith's signature harmonica playing is used not as a folk element, but as a piercing, rhythmic instrument that adds a jagged texture to the mix.
• Vocal Delivery: The vocals are delivered with a manic, almost shouting energy, often processed with slapback delay or vocoders to sound detached and robotic, enhancing the psychedelic atmosphere.
• Panning: The production features aggressive stereo panning, with synths and guitars zig-zagging across the channels, disorienting the listener to simulate the feeling of intoxication.

Literary Techniques:

• Rhetorical Question: The song opens with a question ("What makes a man...?") that sets up the psychological exploration of the track.
• Juxtaposition: Placing the innocent image of "Snow Angels" alongside the gritty reality of drug abuse creates a jarring ironic contrast.

What is the meaning of the song Snow Angels by GUM & Ambrose Kenny-Smith?

The song is a metaphor for drug use (specifically cocaine, or 'snow') and toxic masculinity. It explores how men suppress their feelings until they explode in manic episodes, using drugs to create temporary 'snow angels' or highs that distract from their internal pain.

When was Snow Angels by GUM & Ambrose Kenny-Smith released?

The song was released on July 19, 2024, as part of the Deluxe Edition of their collaborative album, 'Ill Times'.

Who plays on Snow Angels by GUM?

The track features Jay Watson (GUM) on instruments like guitar, drums, and synths, and Ambrose Kenny-Smith (of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard) on vocals and harmonica.

Is Snow Angels on the vinyl version of Ill Times?

Yes, 'Snow Angels' is included on the Deluxe Edition vinyl release of the album 'Ill Times,' which features additional tracks not found on the standard initial pressing.