Tony Dekker, lead singer of Great Lake Swimmers,
has a gift--a voice so earnest, breathtaking, haunting, and absolutely
his own. Its beauty is never cloying, though--nope, when combined
with thundering drums, and rolling guitars, and jaunty banjo (example:
the new EP's title track "Hands In the Dirty Ground"),
he might have the power to move mountains, melt glaciers, or tame
wild animals.*
A five song collection featuring live tracks, re-workings of previous
tracks (hey, do you own Bodies and Minds... or the excellent
self-titled first album? If not, please drop everything and go
immerse yourself in them repeatedly.) and a Tom Waits cover, this
little gem reminds us of what a truly talented group of musicians
GLS are. These songs are not flashy, not remixes meant to trick
the listener into a purchase. Instead, they are powerfully subtle
in their charm. Take the "miracle version" of "Song
For The Angels"--it's amazing how a little feedback and gorgeous
harmonies can add a glow to a simple acoustic song and turn it
into another entity--a little quiet flickering flame in the deep,
deep dark or "the echo to your yell/the ripple to your
dive/the currents under your wave."
Available on 12" vinyl or as part of a digital
box set containing previous GLS albums (what a rad idea!)
this small EP is worth your time and attention--a good starting
point for new fans, and a nice little "howdy, we're still
here!" for people already in love with the band and looking
forward to their next release.
*
This statement has not
been proven by SCTAS or mr. dekker.
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