Swim School have delivered a super cool debut album that manages to combine a classic indie feel with a modern edge. Filled with powerful riffs, enchanting melodies and runaway choruses, “This Is The Debut Album” (an affectionate and convenient subtitle for the eponymous release), is a breath of fresh air throughout.
From the moment fan favourite opener ‘Heaven’ kicks in, the tone is set and the cards are on the table. This is an album that doesn’t frustrate – it continuously satisfies, jumping from one indie banger to the next without sounding repetitive.
Alice Johnson’s dreamy, on-point vocals sound as live on record as they do on stage, and if you like piercing, goosebump-giving guitar hooks, then Lewis Bunting is more than happy to oblige. Drummer Billy McMahon puts in a real shift with his unbreakable powerhouse rhythms and energetic fills, particularly on “Waste Your Time”, which is one of the standout tracks on the album.
Other highlights on this record include the epic “Crimson Red” and the relentless “On and On”, but my personal favourite is “Green Eyes (Want It All)” which sounds like a beautiful hybrid of The Cure and The Cranberries.
This is one of those records that you really want to own on vinyl – you’ll want to hug the sleeve while you lose yourself in a fit of indie abandon! The band are also building up a strong live reputation and is playing a Belfast show at The Ulster Sports Club on November 10th
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