The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse

“Rich with Beach Boys style harmonies, Roy Orbison reverbs and orchestra, Pink Floyd's pacing and Freddy Mercury's falsetto, The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse”

I see no point in trying to describe this band when their official website does it so accurately in just one sentence. The Besnard Lakes truly do have a sound of incredible grandeur and while it may not put them at the same level as the above artists, the comparisons are certainly warranted. Most striking for me is the pace. The songs average out at about 5 minutes each; however never do they get repetitive. Instead their length is derived from the way the band gradually builds the intensity, evolving the sound and reaching powerful climaxes. Yes it’s one of those albums and it’s great. As far as I’m aware, the ‘dark horse’ references relate to fact that this band has been kicking around in the Montreal music scene for a while now, lurking away in the background, helping out with other prominent bands, but now the time has come for them to shine. Whatever the case, The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse is yet another to add to the list of fantastic albums coming out of Montreal.

Disaster – This song gives a perfect example of the way the songs gradually build up. At two minutes it’s still setting the scene, but what’s to come is a powerful chorus and Beach Boys’ style medleys.

For Agent 13 – This song progresses at such a slow pace that I'm suprised I like it. It clearly has something to do with the great vocals and again, the powerful emotion which they manage to portray.

Released: 20/2/07 | Website | Myspace

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