Swivel
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Previously a drummer for several post-punk and indie bands from Toledo, Denver and Seattle, Brendan Regan traded his drumsticks for a guitar, and moved to the front of the stage for his personal and Celtic influenced songs that often look back at his youth.
“Trigger Town” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere, where Regan’s warm voice is met with Colin J. Nelson’s skilled drumming amid the moody pedal steel from Dan Tyack, and “Have No Reserve” follows with Kate Olson’s soothing woodwinds adding much to the dreamy beauty.
“Overpromises” arrives in the middle and features Tekla Waterfield’s soulful backing vocals for the stirring intimacy of the poetic album highlight, while “Have You Seen Wings?” showcases Rebecca Lomnicky’s graceful fiddle and the mature keys from Shadrack Scott in the melodic landscape.
“Opus Girl” and “People I Won’t Leave Behind” exit the listen, where the former embraces much ambience surrounding the soft, mysterious dynamics and the latter strums brightly with Regan’s expressive voice alongside lush and thoughtful instrumentation.
Regan has released several EPs, and this longer peek into his cautious, bittersweet formula that touches on nostalgic folk ideas and gothic, pop and country moments draws the listener in immediately.
Travels well with: The Salt Collective- Life; Talk Demonic- Various Seasides