It's funny - when Snakes and Arrows first came out I really dug it. I loved the big, booming production by Nick Raskulinecz, after several albums where I found the production seriously flat. And I love that they included 3 instrumentals! But over time, I find it doesn't grab me as a whole album so much. I like individual songs, and the instrumental energy is awesome, but the songs don't stick. Like you say, they're less earwormy. Also, one of the worst album covers. I haven't looked into the imagery, if it is something with a deeper story or a reference to art or history, but visually it's like a washed out blend of religious iconography (I'm assuming Buddhist and maybe Hindu and others?).
It's funny - when Snakes and Arrows first came out I really dug it. I loved the big, booming production by Nick Raskulinecz, after several albums where I found the production seriously flat. And I love that they included 3 instrumentals! But over time, I find it doesn't grab me as a whole album so much. I like individual songs, and the instrumental energy is awesome, but the songs don't stick. Like you say, they're less earwormy. Also, one of the worst album covers. I haven't looked into the imagery, if it is something with a deeper story or a reference to art or history, but visually it's like a washed out blend of religious iconography (I'm assuming Buddhist and maybe Hindu and others?).
It's not a great album cover, agreed. Wikipedia tells me that "Snakes and Arrows" is another name for the Indian game, leela: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakes_%26_Arrows#
All that said, "Far Cry" is one of the best singles EVER -- I just love that song to pieces!