The Besnard Lakes - London Water Rats - 24/5/07
4/5
By: Chris O'Toole
With the release of their second album, 'The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse', the Montreal band have stepped out of their self imposed shadows and out into the limelight. The band have recorded two albums since their inception in 2001, but this is merely one chapter of an intriguing musical journey for the group, and in particular their enigmatic singer/songwriter Jace Lasek. At his Break Glass Studios Lasek has produced albums for an array of Canadian artists, including Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, Stars and The Dears; and along the way has garnered a formidable reputation amongst the Canadian musical community. Only now, however, is he taking the Besnard Lakes, of which he and his wife Olga Goreas are the driving force, out on the road.
'The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse' was released on Jagjaguwar in early 2007 and is a captivating listen; its slow moving, measured and controlled pace proving a rewarding listen for the patient connoisseur. The slow space rock grooves and Pink Floyd referencing album, however, belies the groups energetic live set. Squeezing onto the tiny stage at London's Water Rats tonight the band give a free rein to their classic rock impulses, cantering through a set of rich harmonies, fuzzy rock and expansive dynamics.
Opening with 'Rides', taken from their 'Volume 1' collection, the tone is set early. The dual attack of the guitarists Steve Raegele and Jeremiah Bullied dominates the groups sound, allowing Lasek, also on guitar, and Goreas, on bass, to concentrate on their vocal responsibilities. Gone is the guarded, meandering approach of the groups recorded output and in its place we find a fully fledged rock and roll band, all three guitarists tap dancing on their assorted peddles and wringing every ounce of sound from their instruments. The pace is maintained with 'For Agent 13' and 'You Lied to Me' before the sets highlight 'Because Tonight'. Starting as a jaunty waltz, with Raegele taking a bow to his guitar, the track builds into a frightening crescendo which seems to grow too large for the narrow confines of this tiny venue. It's an abrasive, yet not aggressive, mix, showcasing the bands virtuosity and the careful control they maintain over their sound even when amplified to this level.
The set draws to a close with the opening track from the bands latest album, 'Disaster'. This more than any other track tonight stays true to the recorded version, reverting to the lilting, instrumental atmospherics of the album, and these slower pieces allow arranger and keyboardist Nicole Lizeé to reveal her role in the band. Lizeé builds momentum with her own delicate keyboards and simultaneously conducts her band mates in a slow burning, celestial climax. Changes in pace such as these show a real versatility about the band, able to mesmerise at full throttle rock or charm with these haunting, otherworldly pieces.
Tonight the Besnard Lakes seem to celebrate in the live arena. These are seasoned musicians with talent to spare, able to improvise and expand on their recorded sound when presented with a live audience. Their set is captivating, varied and enthralling, drawing elated responses from the bursting venue. Perhaps this live vivacity will find its way onto subsequent albums or will remain rooted in the live experience, but either way this is a top quality band with a bright, shimmering, future.
Photography copyright Alice Preston.
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