SWMRS
Drive North
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
The Oakland, California based quartet, SWMRS, is unlike any other. The four-piece pulls together different elements of classic punk rockers, The Ramones, to more recent pop punk band, The Starting Line.
Their debut record, Drive North (Uncool Records) opens with a banger titled “Harry Dean.” It’s a rock song that begins with a solid guitar riff, then continues into a headbanging anthem that is set up for endless radio play.
The following two tracks, “BRB,” and “Miss Yer Kiss” are both very solid, catchy songs just waiting to be played on indie rock radio. “BRB” brings the heavy guitar and introduces beachy vocals from Cole Becker, almost reminiscent of pop punk band, The Starting Line’s Kenny Vasoli. This track has a more indie punk vibe, though.
Surprisingly, the record is a very comprehensive collection of solid indie punk songs that all have their own sound and vibe. The collection is organized in a way that each song is able to shine on its own and introduces the next track very well.
“Miss Yer Kiss” is a catchy ode to a female whom he is completely enamored with. “I hope you don’t think I’m weird / Pretend it never happened / And just go back to Manhattan / ‘Cause you made a pact / And I’ll try my best not to get attached / But you’re so cool / And I’m such a fool for you”
You can’t overlook the punk rock ode to Miley Cyrus in “Miley.” The track starts out simple, “Miley is a punk rock queen,” and then ramps up into a full throttle punk ode to Miley’s very public life.
Overall, the record is a straightforward piece of modern indie punk rock/pop punk record from a very talented quartet from the Bay area. Look out for these guys in 2016.
Rating: Bad-Ass
