Take A Sip of Calm Lake's Sparkling Anti-Jingle "Le Seltzer"
Single art by Jess
With yet another series of doom-and-gloom announcements under our belts, it’s easy to get caught up in the one-two punch otherwise known as the past couple of years. Now more than ever is the time to practice gratitude and reflect on the little things that bring us joy: aimless strolls, loved ones, and — of course — a crisp can of seltzer. Montreal’s Calm Lake has freshly released “Le Seltzer”, a gleaming bedroom-pop track that does just that.
Calm Lake is a project by Filipino-Canadian songwriter Nikki Celis (known as one-half of shoegaze duo cmfrtble.), who is currently based in Montreal. Calm Lake is a collaborative effort featuring friends from around Canada, including Andrew Joshua, Shane Spencer, Alex Lavoie and Jessica Segura. The project finds their inspiration from 90s emo and dream-pop, citing influences like Pedro the Lion, The Radio Dept., and Bilinda May.
Nikki Celis of Calm Lake. Photo courtesy of Nikki Celis
“Le Seltzer” marks the project’s second single, following the angsty “Toothache” released in August of this year. “Le Seltzer” was written as an earnest tribute to the locally-owned seltzer water brand that started during the pandemic. The track is described as an “anti-jingle”, inspired by the fluorescent catchiness of ‘90s product commercials. On the story of “Le Seltzer”, Celis remarks:
"In Montreal, people have been finding ways to express their creativity, whether that's making new musical projects like Calm Lake, making their 'quarantine songs' or even starting new businesses. This is my take on a quarantine song."
From start to finish, “Le Seltzer” paints a sanguine picture with dream-pop production that’s as effervescent as the beverage itself. This track leaves you with no choice but to smile, evoking memories of sunset-tinted park hangs and breezy balconies through its jangly fog. As major fans of this delicious drink, we here at Also Cool are pleased to report that Calm Lake’s latest single is just as satisfying. Kick back with a can of yuzu blossom and pomelo and don’t lose sight of the escapades that await you.
Stream “Le Seltzer” below!