Ever since being introduced to Lakes through their ‘Constance’ LP in 2019, there’s a pleasing earnestness to what the Watford collective has served up. Having treaded their toes in post-rock on 2023’s ‘Elysian Skies,’ their fourth album is a culmination of everything they’ve done so far. On the surface, ‘Slow Fade’ utilises and blends elements of post-rock, math rock, and emo, yet simultaneously expands their abilities. In turn, it moulds itself into becoming Lakes‘ most concise album.
‘Annecy’ opens proceedings with sepia-toned acoustics and midwestern swoons before seguing into a rising chord progression, providing a familiar warmth that Lakes so often produce. The strong momentum is aided by ‘Trouble’s colourful percussion and playful guitar melodies, allowing the six-piece to showcase their anthemic capabilities (‘Edge of Reason’ also achieves this later on). ‘Peach Fuzz’ continues to be a twinkling rush of indie-emo goodness, aided by its sturdy rhythm section.
‘Version’ takes the tone down, unravelling itself gradually, finding steady ground with a rigid, if not heavier, sound. Yet, Roberto Cappellina and Cat Rowland’s melodies continue to soar. Nevertheless, by producing a more spacious approach, Lakes allow each member to stand out. In the process, they’re able to produce one of the album’s most compelling moments. The other being ‘Faded Flowers’. Its pensive tone, accompanied by distant drums, is lyrically reflective, allowing you to get hooked into Cappellina’s nostalgic words.
Throughout, frontman Cappellina and newcomer Rowland trade vocals, allowing bright moments such as ‘Hypernow’ and ‘Edge of Reason’ to truly shine. Whereas ‘Thread’ allows Cat to take the lead. With electronic drums and slide guitars accompanying her, it proves to be one of ‘Slow Fade’s gentler moments. Later on, the album closer ‘Green Eyes’ sees Rowland confidently lead. Complemented by drifting instrumentation, its gradual build pays off with jangly guitars, punchy drums, and Rowland and Cappellina trading soaring vocals.
Another notable element of ‘Slow Fade’ is its textured tone and assured execution. There’s certainly a sense of familiarity to what Lakes has produced here. It sounds texturally bigger, allowing spacious songs to ruminate and upbeat cuts like ‘Toro’ to equally sound urgent and layered. As a unit, it’s intricately performed, showing belief in Lakes‘ own ability to shift tones and styles with ease. Furthermore, its introspective narrative simply elevates its emotional heart, making for another charming outing for Lakes.
‘Slow Fade’ by Lakes is out now on Lucky Art/Big Scary Monsters.
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