Great Lake Swimmers (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Sandro Perri (lap steel guitar, cello); Walter Kofman (accordion, piano, Farfisa); Victor Szabó (percussion).

Additional personnel: Walter Kofman (accordion, piano, Farfisa); Victor Szabo (percussion); Sandro Perri.

Audio Mixers: Tommy Dekker; Victor Szabó.

Recording information: Abandoned Grain Silo.

With hollow hiss and insect chirping in the opening moments, Great Lake Swimmers offer up a haunting invitation to curious listeners on their self-titled first outing on Misra Records. The atmosphere that the band creates along with the production (or minimal use of production) is a testament to the recording location -- an abandoned silo in southern Ontario -- and Tony Dekker's melancholy vocals and delicate acoustic picking. Great Lake Swimmers tap into an essence of times gone by, unfolding a sad vibe that doesn't force itself on you, much like Damien Jurado or Sun Kil Moon's frequent moments. From the rolling opener, "Moving Pictures, Silent Films," to the dark gospel feel of "I Will Never See the Sun" or, finally, the angelic and resonant closer, Great Lake Swimmers play music like a dream you cannot shake. A solid, haunting debut. ~ David Serra minimize