Swervedriver
With 90s alt icons releasing their first record in 17 years, Getintothis’ Paul Dahill looks ahead to their upcoming O2 Academy gig.
Having recently released their first studio LP in over 17 years, I Wasn’t Born to Lose You, 90s alt-rock maestros Swervedriver are set to hit the Liverpool O2 Academy on May 20.
After disbanding in 1998 following four albums in nine years, the shoegaze pioneers reformed initially in 2007 for a live reunion tour, but a performance of Deep Wound on Jimmy Fallon in 2012 showed that the break had only helped them rediscover their top form. They then returned to the studio in early 2014 and got working on I Wasn’t Born to Lose You, which has been released to much excitement and acclaim across the music world.
It would be easy to dismiss the reformation as another 90s band trying to cash in on former glory, but the new record has seamlessly managed to merge a sound sticking to their roots while being easily accessible for new listeners.
The lead single Setting Sun appeared on Soundcloud in January of this year, and is as loose and languid as the band have ever been. Deep Wound itself, another of the album’s singles, is a fantastic mix of heavy, dirty guitars searing throughout with Adam Franklin’s voice gently laying on top. Loyal fans will love it and the kids should be able to hear where many modern acts took inspiration from their pioneering sound.
Following the success of I Wasn’t Born to Lose You, Swervedriver are set for a global headline tour, including their date at the O2 Academy.
