Great Lakes – Diamond Times

I’ve often thought they listened to Van Dyke Parks at the same time as Steve Earle…

I’ve often thought they listened to Van Dyke Parks at the same time as Steve Earle…

 

Great Lakes – Diamond Times

http://www.trackandfield.org.uk/ http://www.konkurrent.nl/

 

Ah, Great Lakes, unashamed, slightly weird pop. I do like them, and it’s a shame that not that many people know about them over here in Holland  Opener The Pinks and the Purples sets up a pleasant mid–tempo groove, and embellishes it now and again with pedal-steel guitar and vocal harmonising. I like the way they combine MOR-isms with a certain seediness. Farther rocks out some with its stomping drums and great jangling guitar lines whereas Precious and Reckless is a brilliantly tuneful admonishment to a third party.

 

Elsewhere there are nods to 70s MOR/country rock (Night Hearts and The Moon and the Lunatics). I’ve often thought they listened to Van Dyke Parks at the same time as Steve Earle…The best track is saved till almost last, Horses Wings is a reflective tune with a great surge near the end. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable listen if you like country tinged rock.

 

Words: Richard Foster