Ruin Your Day
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
A Los Angeles outfit who have already released a pair of EPs, this debut album from Swerve brings the best ideas of punk, alt-rock, indie and even pop into a very lively and hook heavy 11 tracks.
The title track starts the listen with a buzzing and gritty version of alt-rock that comes with smooth singing and sharp guitar playing, and this melodic formula continues to the punk influenced “Do You Want To Give In?”, as well as the Brit-pop nods of the precise “Disassociate”.
In the middle the thumping energy of “Little Rich Kids” carries an anthemic quality, while “Waste My Time” showcases the dynamic rhythm section of Mark Gardner and Brandon Duncan amid soaring guitar work. “Ebbs And Flows” then recruits a firmly strummed acoustic guitar as a flowing breeziness enters the album highlight.
Approaching the end, “My Enemy Is Dead” trims the pace back initially with sublime balladry, and “Bush v Gore” exits the listen with a swirling formula of gritty modern rock that escalates into a dense finish to a very exciting listen.
This was the band’s 2nd attempt at making this record, after the 1st time through didn’t yield the sound they wanted. Thankfully, this go around with Adam Lasus on production captures a band that’s quite modern while utilizing bits of rock’s past with no shortage of melodies, rhythm and timeless songwriting.
Travels well with: Bizou- Tragic Lover; Palm Ghosts- Lifeboat Candidate