Canadian singer / songwriter Tony Dekker released his self-titled debut under the pseudonym Great Lake Swimmers in 2004. Recorded by hand in a grain silo, this record offered desolate listening songs with a charming lofi noise and chirping crickets. Only later a band was formed around Dekkers, which was enthusiastically received in the European club circuit. Lost Channels is already Tony's fourth
… album and is more than a group product than then. The songs evoke memories of REM at the time of Losing My Religion, especially through the use of mandolin and banjo. This time Dekkers' traditional songwriting skills are captured in a neat but somewhat colorless production. Text and recitation suggest the necessary depth, but a lot of the music ripples by and too little on Lost Channels really grabs the throat. (MS)more
