They Don’t Make Them Like That Anymore

Released in late 2017, They Don’t Make Them Like That Anymore serves as a seasonal bridge in the Great Lake Swimmers' discography. The EP features two original tracks and two traditional carols, all unified by the band's signature 'location-based' sonic identity. While not recorded in a silo like their debut, the production maintains that characteristic sense of physical architecture through generous use of natural-sounding reverb. Tony Dekker’s vocals remain the focal point, delivered with a breathy intimacy that has defined the project since 2003. The inclusion of 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear' and 'Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella' highlights the band's ability to strip away the artifice of traditional carols, reframing them as haunting, rural folk pieces. Critically, the EP was noted for its cohesive atmosphere, successfully blending Dekker's songwriting with traditional themes of light and darkness.