A Forest of Arms

Released in 2015, A Forest of Arms represents a maturing of the Great Lake Swimmers' 'environmental folk' aesthetic. Following the more polished 'New Wild Everywhere,' this record returns to the band's roots of site-specific recording, most notably tracking parts of the album in the Tyendinaga Cavern in Ontario. This choice imparts a literal 'underground' resonance to the songs, particularly on the standout track 'The Great Bear,' which serves as a protest and tribute to the northern Pacific coast. Musically, the album features the core lineup of Tony Dekker, Erik Arnesen, and Miranda Mulholland, whose violin work provides a melodic counterpoint to Dekker’s signature breathy delivery. Critics noted the album's balance between the band's traditional hushed intimacy and a newer, more assertive folk-rock energy. It stands as one of their most ecologically conscious works, blending personal introspection with a wide-angle lens on the Canadian landscape.