The Swellers-Good For Me
Having crafted earnest punk rock anthems full of undeniable passion over the past eight years, the Michigan quartet's decision to record their third album with Descendents drummer and songwriter Bill Stevenson has honed their songwriting craft and resulted in a fine collection of songs that are destined to be a staple on your stereo.
Kicking off with the addictive hooks and freedom-sprinkled vibe of 'Runaway' the record doesn't mess around and hits you straight in the face. The individual members have evidently worked hard progressing their sound and it really shows. The rolling bass-line of 'Inside My Head' hooks straight into your ears before hitting a chorus full of heart while 'Parkview' channels the perky darkness of Alkaline Trio, it's a rollicking start but the album really hits its stride from its middle point onwards. 'The Best I Ever Had' is an undeniably stellar summer anthem and quite possibly the best song that the band have written thus far. Lyrics possessing a genuine nostalgia that's enveloped in soothing summer sun collide with pinpoint guitar work and backing choral vocals that are subtle yet even more effective for it. It's a gem of a song that shall accompany many more summers to come. The following 'Better Things' is slightly more melancholic in tone but no less enjoyable with both acoustic and electric guitar work accompanying poignant lyrics of moving on, 'On A Line' reminds surprisingly of Guided By Voices in its endearing emotional display and 'Prime Meridian' is without a doubt up there with 'The Best I Ever Had' in terms of quality, a sure to be fan favourite.
Closer 'Warming Up' is, at points, a little too 'Pinkerton'-era Weezer but still remains a great song and concisely closes an album that is highly enjoyable. The Swellers have pushed themselves hard to record what is possibly their best album yet and present themselves as a band stepping up and delivering on the promise of progress. Any fan of 90s emo, pop-punk or just a great rock album should certainly check this out.