Anything stamped with a K is likely to be a/ something related to Calvin Johnson b/ oddly child-like and cute or c / the reason critics overuse words like “twee” and “fey.” That’s not to say there isn’t some fantastic stuff on Cal’s little label. Witness Lake. Let’s Build A Roof is only slightly guilty of b/, though some might argue c/. Lake have a more lush and nearly orchestral sound than many of their labelmates – not overly dramatic but certainly atmospheric and layered, as on the first track, “Breathing.” “Gravel” continues as though Julie Doiron were mimicking electronic with a live band, while “Madagascar” has a strangely funky underbeat that makes it sound like Steely Dan gone lo-fi. Lake’s indiepop is sweet and occasionally silly, but well-written and varied enough to stay interesting.
Lake
Let’s Build a Roof
K
