The Swimmers of Lake Baikal is the new concept album from Indianapolis, USA-based prog-indie-rock band Shadeland. Beautifully melancholic, it tells the story of a man’s glimpse into a world outside of our known universe.
By Graeme Smith
With their new album, Shadeland deliver a message of not simply accepting what you are told and to embrace and explore the unknown. As such, there is a suitably expansive and experimental feel to The Swimmers of Lake Baikal. The story opens with the atmospheric vignette Light in the Sky. Captured spoken word is accompanied by ethereal rock instrumentals and expressive vocals. It’s a strong start.
In The Lake then follows on seamlessly, launching into an urgent indie rock arrangement in the vein of Bruce Springsteen or The Killers. Floating in the Dark has an expansive soundscape tethered by an organic groove. Time is a Human Concept simmers nicely, introducing some grunge to the mix before Shadow in the Lake slows things down with an emotional moment that hits some cathartic climaxes.
Turning into Someone I’m Not opens the middle of the album with a contemplative yet lively arrangement. The Swimmers is dark and psychedelic while Role-Playing is vibrantly pleading. Mariana provides a beautifully rich and romantic highlight before Light on the Highway introduces some fizzing pop energy to proceedings.
No Time gives us heavy and gritty prog rock. Skin of My Teeth is swaggering, stadium-filling indie rock. Rats in the Night is a looping number with some visceral storytelling in its lyrics. I Can’t Do This Anymore paints the picture of a man at the end of his tether through a soulful arrangement before Starlight closes the album with a brighter moment, brimming with a cautious optimism and acceptance.
Shadeland are Allen Kell on vocals and guitar, Brad Hudgings on drums, Matt Johnson on guitar and additional vocals, and Tony Vibbert on bass guitar. They’ve released six albums previously and The Swimmers of Lake Baikal feels like their most ambitious to date. Its story is beautifully realised and it is a must listen for fans of big indie rock. You can check it out below.
