Hands in Dirty Ground

Hands in Dirty Ground is a 2006 EP by Great Lake Swimmers that serves as a bridge between their early, hyper-minimalist silo recordings and their later, more expansive chamber-folk sound. The title track is a quintessential example of Tony Dekker’s fascination with the intersection of the human body and the natural world, utilizing the natural acoustics of a grain silo to create a haunting, ethereal atmosphere. The EP is notable for including 'Miracle' and 'Band' versions of previously known tracks, offering a more fleshed-out perspective on the band's evolving arrangements. The latter half of the record features live performances that highlight the band's ability to maintain their signature intimacy in a concert setting. Critically, it is viewed as a companion piece to the album 'Bodies and Minds,' reinforcing the band's reputation as leaders of the 'log cabin' indie folk movement of the mid-2000s.