Arktik Lake enjoy creating a warm and coherent Ep with psychedelic elements with their new release, Shimmer.
Intercontinental Psychedelic Indie Rock collective Arktik Lake may transcend borders but their music still combines in interesting and fruitful ways. New EP Shimmer (which is also available in limited edition aquamarine vinyl by the way…) shows off their penchant for pleasant melodies and homely structures as they caress out a thoughtful sound over four tracks.
Starting with the EP-titled track Shimmer, we’re straight away thrown into a jangly, indie-pop sound as guitars and drums lead the way forward before Marty Wilson-Piper’s vocals enter the fray. It’s a feel-good sound with a feel-good attitude that flows in a naturally flagrant way. The track does try to grow in stature as it continues, with Olivia Wilson-Pipers backing vocals providing a warmth that continues throughout. There is perhaps a little too much guitar soloing at times that takes away from the overall sound trying to be created, however.
Promises We Made follows with a welcoming bassline and drumbeat providing the initial layers. Once again a warmth and vulnerability are created in the music with strong harmonies in the chorus bringing it all together. Hombre follows, a more sultry affair that leans on gentle builds-ups and a thoughtful sound with an almost subtle, Western vibe about it. This takes off the edge of seriousness and helps it stand out a little more as an album highlight. The lack of vocals throughout also shows off another difference, although the track is perfectly capable without them, using the instrumentation itself to create the story and atmosphere.
The EP ends with Misty Shore that features a playful rhythm and a psychedelic attitude. The background synths provide structure and the sound takes its time to reach a heady conclusion against some Bowie-esque chord changes and vibrant twists and turns. The extended intros of earlier tracks are done away with here as we’re straight into the fun part, and it could be a lesson to learn from for future releases.
Shimmer EP from Arktik lake is the sound of a band having good, harmless fun. At times you feel there could be another level that the tracks could rise to, but the musicianship is strong and the songs provide a pleasant sound with strong harmonies.
Score: 3/5
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