CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Silversun Pickups
Album: Swoon (2009 Dangerbird)
Tracks: 10
Artist website: http://www.silversunpickups.com/
OVERVIEW
Swoon is the sophomore effort of so-cal indie rockers Silversun Pickups. It’s the first we’ve heard of them.
The band’s sound is a mix of a sound that is kind of similar to mid 90’s Smashing Pumpkins with a dose so-cal indie rock energy which meets an ambience of Pink Floyd in places. Interesting mix of things.
If you’re into the whole post grunge/90’s alt rock with a new twist, this is for you! Surprisingly, we really dug this!
HIGHLIGHTS:
There’s No Secrets This Year, Growing Old Is Getting Old, Sort Of, Substitution, Surrounded
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – There’s No Secrets This Year
Really nice vibe and cool track. It made me smile. It kinda had a bit of a Smashing Pumpkins vibe going for it.
Track 2 – The Royal We
Catchy. Lots of cool stuff in this track.
Track 3 – Growing Old Is Getting Old
Ambient guitars – cool. The bass ostinato is really annoying after the first 2 minutes are done. But that’s just my opinion. A much needed change comes around the 3 minute mark. This song really builds up nicely!
Track 4 – It’s Nice to Know You Work Alone
Cool track. Really dig the vibe on this one.
Track 5 – Panic Switch
Radio friendly. No wonder it was picked as the lead single. However, I think this track is far from being the strongest song on the album.
Track 6 – Draining
Mellow. Kinda repetitive and “draining”.
Track 7 – Sort Of
Cool song. This would have made a better lead off single than Panic Switch.
Track 8 – Substitution
Cute song. This could make a good single.
Track 9 – Catch and Release
Meh.
Track 10 – Surrounded (or Spiraling)
Really cool! Totally different from the rest of the album. If it had stronger distortion as opposed to the indie fuzz thing going on, this would be a really great rock song!