The Swears: ‘Things We Found In The Sea’ [Review]
Opinion
With Things We Found In The Sea, their first release since second album Europa back in 2010, The Swears have taken a very interesting creative turn. Their old organic and earthy pop stylings have been entirely abandoned. Where once there were acoustic guitars and happy-go-lucky summer vibes, we now find a pair of gently unsettling alt-pop meditations.
The title track possesses my favourite bass-based experience in some time, as beautiful, undulating tones swirl below a brooding pop vocal set to an almost mechanical lyrical rhythm – but second track Any Human Being really caught my attention. The arrangement reminds me of Teutonic synth-pop pioneers Kraftwerk; it evolves gracefully, like a flower unfurling, while the emotional content is primarily produced through electronic means. The vocal (with very cool harmonies) is guarded, delivered in nearly emotionless tones – an approach that remains as aesthetically relevant now (more so, in fact) as it did when Trans-Europe Express first made its way onto turntables across the world. A well-timed comment on our digitally enhanced existences, perhaps?
Overall, this is both an intellectually and sonically stimulating experience with a fascinating (and rare) depth, and a pristine pair of perfectly crafted tunes. If these songs were found in the sea, I’m moving to the coast ASAP.
Links
Listen to Things We Found In The Sea: http://theswearsband.bandcamp.com/album/things-we-found-in-the-sea
The Swears on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSwears
Previous review for Europa on The Musical Melting Pot: http://themusicalmeltingpot.com/2013/05/16/the-swears-europa/
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