The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes are the Roaring Night (2010)

This is wonderful folk rock with a bit of psychedelia. My jaw dropped upon hearing “Like the Ocean, Like the Innocent; Pt. 2: The Innocent,” an epic track of wailing guitars, a really rhythmic percussive effect created by the rhythm section, and glorious vocals. The guitar solos throughout are gripping, as is the overall guitar tone which really propels the album. “Land of Living Skies Pt. 2…” has some really nice guitar harmonics going on. The vocals have a hazy quality to them that really gives the album an almost hypnotic vibe. On the slower tracks, like “Chicago Train,” the singer approaches a Bon Iver-esque croon. Otherwise, it has a deeper echo. The female vocals, which appear on tracks like the afformentioned “Like the Ocean…” and “Albatross” are gorgeous. Some reviewers have noted hints of shoegaze and dream pop, which isn’t the best way to characterize the album. I hear more of a psychedelic-influenced arena rock. This is only their third album since 2003, but if they’re going to wait 3-4 years between albums, music this good is worth waiting for. I don’t typically go for psychedelic stuff, but this is too addictive to pass on. Highly recommended if you like music.

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