With their debut album, Bundle, the Minnesota five-piece Keep For Cheap established themselves as purveyors of country, rock and pop informed indie gems. Wrapped up in laters of emotional sensitivity, head-swimming nostalgia and captivating storytelling, it made sense for the band to summarise their individualised style as “prairie rock”. While their first record was the necessary introduction, but their newest single ‘Lakehouse’ is an opportunity for Keep For Cheap to solidify their unique position in the music scene.
The song’s opening sets the scene for a day by the lake; brought to life by field recordings of lapping tides on the shore and the playful quacks of ducks. In keeping with this naturalistic soundscape, the band start off with acoustic strings and lap steel. The lead singer’s contemporary approach straddles indie-pop melodies and americana inflections, the latter of which ties this tale of local nostalgia even closer to the land. This heartfelt pondering gradually builds up a vivid image of a carefree summer; swimming, hanging out with friends and family, watching smoke drift over from Canadian wildfires, and allowing the gentle lull of the water to stoke a sense of inner peace. This reminiscence is almost painfully contrasted to the songwriter’s present experience of going back home and being struck with a sense of deep longing for the old days. It’s a powerful sentiment that’s emphasised by the song’s burst into electric riffs, heavier drums and unleashed vocal wails.
At the heart of ‘Lakehouse’ is a universal experience of grappling with an ever-changing world and the emotional overwhelm that is sparks.
You can also find ‘Lakehouse’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.
Follow Keep For Cheap:
UNRECORDED 