Set to release their second full-length album, “Kid Tiger,” on March 4, the group brings something new to the table.
The Great Lakes have a memorable, catchy sound with an energetic feel that’s sure to get your foot tapping. Their sound is unique, but with the indie title and synth pop undertones, they recall the Cold War Kids and Local Natives.
The group consists of singer-songwriter and guitarist Daniel Ellsworth, drummer Joel Wren, guitarist Timon Lance and bassist Marshall Skinner. The group was named as a tribute to Ellsworth’s home state, Minnesota.
“Our history is that we’re all a bunch of music school nerds,” Ellsworth said. “We all studied music back in the day and made the most financially sound decision to be in a rock band after college.”
For only being together for three years, the group has gotten some significant publicity. They started off the year by being named one of Esquire’s top 15 bands to watch in 2014.
After their first album release in 2011, they received plenty of love, including reaching No. 1 on the AmazonMP3 album sales chart. Paste Magazine also featured the group earlier this year.
“We come from a pretty diverse musical background, so that definitely bleeds through into our music,” Ellsworth said.
The members have a variety of musical preferences that range from Tom Waits to Nine Inch Nails to Lil Wayne.
While the Great Lakes’ first album, “Civilized Man,” kicked off their career with a strong start that created hope for a successful future, but this new album turned that hope into a promise. They have grown together since then, and they’ve created a more personal identity with their new work.
Their new album, “Kid Tiger,” was co-produced by the Grammy-winning engineer Vance Powell, who has worked with groups like Kings of Leon, The White Stripes and The Whigs in the past.
It includes 12 original songs that have a ton of energy, each song sounding more exceptional than the next.
Overall, the tracks have a heavy rhythmic feel with poppy melodies that are bound to make you fall in love with their music. They’re a good fit for fans of The Black Keys, Dr. Dog and Wilco.
The standout track “Ready Set” builds from the very beginning as a catchy tune with perfectly utilized keyboards. When the chorus hits you, whether you’re alone in your house blasting it on speakers or walking to class with your headphones in, you won’t be able to help but dance around.
The lyrical content of these songs make them one-of-a-kind, creating a personal connection with the band. Each song’s lyrics are noticeably clever with an unmitigated emotional investment, which makes it the icing on the cake that is this album.
While each of the band’s members had different picks for their favorite track off the new album, Skinner explained why “Frontline” topped the others as his favorite song.
“In my mind, it sounds exactly like I imagined it,” he said. “It came out perfectly on the record.”
The Great Lakes has a busy schedule coming up, as they are making their way cross-country to tour and promote “Kid Tiger.”
“After the album comes out, we’re going to have a pretty steady touring schedule going to a few of our favorite cities. But after that, we’re working for anywhere and everywhere. All over the world,” Ellsworth said. “Hopefully we’ll make it to Columbia sometime soon.”
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