Categories : Music Reviews.
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Rating: 4/5 Released: May 8, 2007 Reviewer: Trent Depue |
From the opening notes of ‘My Rocky Spine,’ the atmosphere of Canadian folk trio Great Lake Swimmers third studio release Ongiara is immediately apparent. Tony Dekker and Erik Arnesen’s combined guitar and banjo work take on a bluegrass feel that though mellow, is wholly affecting throughout. Add to that Dekker’s outstanding vocal abilities, which have been fittingly compared to that of Iron and Wine’s Sam Beam, and you are left with a record that is both poignant and memorable.
Providing the depth that Ongiara might otherwise lack is its long list of guest performers. Serena Ryder, with her Autoharp in hand, is a mainstay musically and vocally throughout the course of the album, while Sarah Harmer also makes a vocal appearance on the records last track. Add to that musical contributions from the likes of Bob Egan and Owen Pallett and you round out an all star supporting cast. And while all these additions add positively to the album, they do so in a subtle fashion, never overwhelming the albums peaceful and distinctly Canadian nature.
From the opening track which, through the blatant use of simile manages to paint a picture that serves as the albums landscape and image, to the beautiful closer ‘I Became Awake’ the album never misses a step. And while the musical style of Ongiara is such that it is definitely a record for which there is a time and place, its artistic nature, wonderful imagery and strong vocal and musical performances will leave you feeling the better for having listened to it, even if it doesn’t manage to get you out of your seat and dancing.
