Great Lakes - Don't Swim Too Close (2025) [Hi-Res]

The album Don't Swim Too Close is the eighth studio work by indie veteran Ben Crum (Great Lakes), released on Elephant 6 / HHBTM Records. The record marks the band's deeper dive into the "fuzzy Americana" genre, which Crum, who has been working since the mid-90s, previously avoided but has now embraced. The album is very personal, confessional in nature, and at times resembles a memoir. The lyrics touch upon themes of depression ("Don't Swim Too Close"), writing ("On the Way Back"), death ("Carry the Message", "Song for the Old Man" - a tribute to Ben's deceased father), love ("Seeing Through Her"), as well as existential pondering ("Are We Here Accidentally?"), and envy for the freedom of birds ("Meant to Fly"). Despite a 25-year history and eight albums, the band shows an ability to grow and evolve, and the album itself, while having instant appeal, reveals even more depth upon multiple listens.

Tracklist:
1. Great Lakes - Another Klaxon Sounds
2. Great Lakes - On The Way Back
3. Great Lakes - Carry The Message
4. Great Lakes - Like An Open Grave
5. Great Lakes - Don't Swim Too Close
6. Great Lakes - San's Blues
7. Great Lakes - Seeing Through
8. Great Lakes - The Freer Heart
9. Great Lakes - Meant To Fly
10. Great Lakes - Song For The Old Man
11. Great Lakes - Ohm
12. Great Lakes - Are We Here Accidentally