Now Funeral Lakes are back with a new release, the three-song EP Golden Season, a record which again targets social and political themes. Opener ‘Eternal Return’ explores what the band describe as “the intersection of toxic masculinity and the scourge of petro-nationalism,” the latter a particular issue in the oil-rich parts of Canada. Musically, the track is almost upbeat though, breezy folk rock buoyed by Charlie Van’s percussion. “Sorry truth ain’t as sweet as those lies that you cling to,” sing both Mishos and Hemer, addressing directly those people who protect their petroleum-based livelihood at the expense of the entire world. The final third of the track then kicks into another gear, the up-tempo drumming and yelped vocals recalling Funeral-era Arcade Fire

Follow-up ‘Earth Falls’ also focuses on environmental concerns, a rousing indie rocker that comes complete with a driving chorus and painterly flourishes of synths. It’s an anthem for our current predicament, combining hopeless despair and a steely defiance that we can somehow find a way through this mess we’ve created.

Earth falls and then begins again
Our home is all on fire again
Earth falls and then begins again
Our home is all we ever had

Closer ‘Power Trip’ is something of a departure, an acerbic punk rock song that recalls Patio or Priests in its dissent against the heteropatriarchy. “You’re so assured in your perfect world,” Mishos sings, “If you don’t have to, why would you learn?” It’s a fittingly angry end to a record that finds the world on the edge of a yawning void, yet watches as those with power continue with their destructive habits. As Funeral Lakes themselves put it, Golden Season represents:

A period of transition. A period of reflection. A time to hold dear the things we love. The
gentle glow of foliage before the fall, the sunset years of life as we know it, and the distant glimmer of hope that we might forge a path forward.

Golden Season is out now and available from the Funeral Lake Bandcamp page.

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