Snail Mail's sophomore effort, 'Lordean,' has left a mixed impression on critics since its release earlier this year.

Perhaps no review encapsulates the album's polarizing reception quite like Pitchfork's lukewarm take. While acknowledging frontwoman Lindsey Jordan's knack for crafting catchy indie-rock anthems, the publication ultimately found themselves underwhelmed by Snail Mail's sophomore offering.

'Maybe I went in with too high expectations after seeing the Pitchfork review,' begins one reviewer, whose name is left anonymous to preserve their identity. 'There’s something about Snail Mail that just doesn’t click for me.'

For Jordan and her bandmates, such mixed reviews are nothing new – indeed, they've become a defining feature of modern indie-rock stardom.

'Snail Mail's sophomore effort...hasn't quite lived up to the hype surrounding it,' another Pitchfork contributor opines dryly. 'But that doesn’t mean Lordean is completely without merit.'

Indeed, upon closer inspection – and with an open mind – there are glimmers of brilliance hidden beneath Jordan’s signature laid-back delivery.

From the opening strains of lead single 'At Best', it's clear Snail Mail remain committed to their distinctive brand of bedroom folk-rock. Lyrically speaking, these songs deal in themes both universal ('I'm Not Your Muse') and intensely personal – as evidenced by introspective closer 'Gulf'.

Throughout 'Lordean', Jordan showcases a talent for crafting melodies that stick long after the needle has skipped back onto its sleeve.

But while these qualities undoubtedly contributed to Snail Mail's initial breakthrough success, they alone may not be enough to silence their growing legion of detractors.

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