Castle Cuts
Canada’s own Great Lake Swimmers take an exceptional approach to classic folk music, yet they seem to continuously renew its melodic forms. Their latest LP, Lost Channels, definitely has a genuinely unique feeling. Their music constantly makes the listener warm and simply content. With a multitude of oddly chosen and off-charted recording locations – including an age-old castle – this album definitely has a very different vibe then most recordings today.
This LP is chock full of pop-rock and folk medleys that are utterly irresistible. The guitars and organ seem to drive the album and provide its central sound, yet the bass and rhythmic sections are well established and quite distinct.
Starting things off, “Palmistry” is a soft yet melodically powerful little song that most certainly hooks the listener. Vocally, the track is without error, providing sweet sounds and charming harmonies. “Stealing Tomorrow” and “Everything is Moving so Fast” bring the instrumentation and vocals down a few notches, and display the more mellow, seemingly romantic, side of the band.
Other highlights of the album include bells tolling from Singer Castle, a quaint spot on the St. Lawrence River, and the out of the ordinary “Chorus In the Underground.” This song is a picturesque vision of what classic folk sounds like with chirpy banjos and an excellent string ensemble in the background.
The track that captains this journey is “”Pulling on a Line.” It is a brilliant piece of music with a near-perfect melody and heavy but smooth bass line. The vocals and lyrical style have made this song a beautiful sing-along and a tremendously catchy ballad.
Altogether, this album is definitely worth listening too, and you should maybe stop at one of those mythical places—a record store – and pick it up. Lost Channels will not disappoint, and the creativity and authenticity of this band is sure to keep you enjoying it.
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