Review: Great Lake Swimmers - Ongiara (or) freeze to spread skeleton wings

Posted on 1 May 2007 | 2 Comments

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Americana, Folk, Indie Rock

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The latest (and third) full-length album from Great Lake Swimmers is called Ongiara and it is utterly fantastic. I loved their previous two albums, so this came as no surprise to me. Ongiara is full of ethereal rootsy indie-folk that revels as much in its relaxed atmospherics as it does in its haunting melodies. Front man Tony Dekker often sounds like a mellow Neil Young whose vocals are awash in an ocean of natural reverb.

There is also and alt-country flavor that permeates through Ongiara but never overwhelms it. It is a soft and hushed affair, but also a highly affecting album that (IMHO) has some gospel-like qualities as well. Almost like a spiritual journey deep into the Canadian wilderness up streams and rivers, past rocky outcroppings, and through the deepest pine forests. RIYL: Iron & Wine, Sun Kil Moon, lullaby songs, etc…

Ongiara is available now through iTunes here in the US but on an actual CD if you live elsewhere.

MP3 | Great Lake Swimmers – Catcher Son Ongiara
MP3 | Great Lake Swimmers – Changing Colours Ongiara