Reviewed by: Justin Fisher
Date: November 22, 2024
Winnipeg indie folk-punk act Lake Disappointment released their debut self-titled album last week, preceded by three singles, 'flann,' 'faretheewell,' and 'k, so.' Being active since 2018, Lake Disappointment sounds mature, refined and fresh at the same time, thanks in part to engineer Kyle Monkman (Storyteller, Clipwing, and Higherlows) adding more life to every performance with his impeccable production work.
The album opens with two pessimistic but upbeat tracks but gets off to a quick start, displaying vocalist Ross McKernan's passion right out of the gate. 'faretheewell' is a Menzingers-esque sad song with a yearning hook and a trumpet passage, another common theme on the album as a whole. 'new year's eve,' which was initially released a few years back as a single, stays with this theme with another singable hook and fantastic harmonies.
One of the most honest and raw emotional tracks on the album is titled 'rot', with a vocal melody reminiscent of a Jeff Rosenstock song. The song also includes many traits typical of modern midwest emo (Modern Baseball, Tiny Moving Parts) however keeps a strong hard rock backing to it. Breaking up the gloomy tone of the rest of the album 'come out swinging' plays up the energy with a positive chorus and lyrics.
The first half of the album ends with two more tracks with pessimistic undertones, but hopeful outlooks. The next track 'melt' and it's relatable, infectious hook has good chemistry with the catchy guitar jingle that plays during the intro and post-chorus, reminiscent of that of a Dookie-era Green Day song. Ross's intense emotional vocals in 'flann,' carry elements of midwest emo and indie punk riffage alongside carefully crafted harmonies.
The album's second half picks back up where the last two tracks ended, with plenty more singable songs and positive lyrics. Ross sings about the feeling of moving on with the track, 'pushing on,' which is a topic that this album talks about in its entirety. The 'better than that,' track speaks on social anxiety and working your life away. The songs' melodic hardcore energy, paired with outstanding trumpet riffing from Ryan Bamforth, keeps you holding on for what's to come in the album's last quarter.
Another short and fast song 'supposed to' holds PUP-esque instrumentals and is an appropriate follow-up to 'better than that,' ending the track with a fast guitar solo that has callbacks to surf rock, adding half-time breaks to help emphasize the most meaningful lyrics, including the bridge. Comparable to a Tigers Jaw song, 'k, so,' starts with one of the album's most memorable refrains, with a guitar solo and bridge portion.
Originally released as a single two years ago, 'before i croak,' is the big finale on Lake Disappointment's debut LP, evoking feelings of nostalgia with a jumpy guitar riff and a catchy singalong near the end. Tracks like this made LD a staple at venues such as the old Cavern and events, including the annual Justice Chester memorial show.
Overall, this album is one of the best local debuts in recent memory and exceeded all expectations set from when they released their first two singles, 'before i croak,' and 'new year's day,' back in 2022. Perfectly blending elements of emo, indie punk, folk punk and melodic hardcore, Lake Disappointment knows how to write memorable and passionate songs. 5/5
Catch Lake Disappointment at Sidestage (beside the Park Theatre on Osborne) for their album release party this Saturday, November 23rd with Storyteller and Lowlife.
Here's a handful of releases to also check out if you enjoy this album:
Brave Faces Everyone by Spanish Love Songs (album, 2020)
Never Hungover Again by Joyce Manor (album, 2014)
Some of It Was True by The Menzingers (album, 2023)
VOWS by Hot Water Music (album, 2023)
Cavalcade by The Flatliners (album, 2010)
Hellmode by Jeff Rosenstock (album, 2023)
Prince Daddy & The Hyena by Prince Daddy & The Hyena (album, 2023)
Brave Faces by Dinner Club (album, 2024)
Storyteller by Storyteller (EP, 2024)
Ashford by Clipwing (EP, 2015)
Find more of Justin Fishers' work at Suburban Home UMFM 101.5, your home for everything melodic punk and emo, with a sprinkle of whatever mixed in. Wednesday, 1:00pm–2:00pm.
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