SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: RHEOSTATICS – THE GREAT LAKES SUITE

RHEOSTATICS
THE GREAT LAKES SUITE
CORDOVA BAY RECORDS

Legendary Toronto band, Rheostatics, is celebrating 45 years with their newest and most interesting album, The Great Lakes Suite. This non-linear concept album features  members Dave Bidini, Dave Clark, Don Kerr, Tim Vesely, along with longtime collaborators Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies and Hugh Marsh, with guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush joining in. Additional collaborators include a myriad of talent featuring Tanya Tagaq (Inuk throat singer, songwriter, novelist), Laurie Anderson (musician and filmmaker), Chief R. Stacey. LaForme (poet and storyteller), Anne Carson (poet and essayist), Liz Howard (poet), Kendel Carson (fiddler and singer), Maiah Wynne (singer-songwriter), and the late Gord Downie (singer-songwriter, poet, and activist).

As is the case throughout the storied history of the Rheostatics, they continue to shape-shift and reinvent themselves artistically. Their last studio album, 2019’s Here Come The Wolves, was a standout in its own right. However, with The Great Lakes Suite, the band takes a more spiritual, artistic, and unique path.

The Great Lakes Suite embodies the spirit of the life that these freshwater bodies of the Great Lakes have been providing since their inception. This sweeping, epic album really captures this feeling in a celebratory ode to the nature of these lakes and what makes them special.

The first single, “Inland Sea,” is a fitting initial release as a single, while most of the album tracks really blend well as a package and, as a whole, make this an album to listen to in order, from front to back ideally. “Inland Sea” features the dreamy vocals of Hearn while the lullaby instrumentation takes the listener to the shores of the lakes and into the wavy waters.

SPILL FEATURE: A CELEBRATION OF ALL THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT US TO THIS POINT – A CONVERSATION WITH DAVE BIDINI OF RHEOSTATICS

Other standout tracks include “Homes”, featuring Laurie Anderson and Kendel Carson, with whimsical vocals from a variety of the listed performers. It serves as a gentle reminder to take care of these lakes, as they are the homes of so many in nature.

“The Drop Off”, featuring the haunting spoken word of the late, great Gord Downie, is one of the most highly descriptive tracks on the album. It’s not difficult to place yourself in Downie’s swim trunks as he reflects on the childhood horrors of the deepness of the water after the drop off.

“She Walks Forever” (featuring the poetic storytelling of Chief Stacey LaForme) is incredibly moving, as he reflects on a walking journey with, and to, the water, accompanied by a lush backing of piano, violin, guitar, and drums.

“Tasiq” (featuring Tanya Tagaq) is a wild ride with Tagaq’s rhythmic ancient Inuk throat singing and vocals, bringing a fervour and desperation to the forefront. Notably, “Tasiq” is the Inuktut word for “Lake”.

Glaringly missing as a musical contributor is long-time member Martin Tielli, who remains a valued member of the Rheostatics as he takes a break. However, the special guests and collaborators really take the majority of the vocal stage in The Great Lakes Suite, reducing the noticeability of Tielli’s absence. Tielli does contribute artwork, along with others, to the stunning music video for “Inland Sea.” Fear not, expect Martin Tielli to be back for the next Rheostatics album.

This highly descriptive, imaginative, and astounding 18-track album is a real standout. The mixture of storytelling, spoken word poetry, lush instrumentation, and calming lyrics combines to take the listener on a memorable journey. The Rheostatics and the Great Lakes of North America are both national treasures, and The Great Lakes Suite highlights these facts.

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