Swan Wash - Swan Wash

Since isolation was encouraged, I found ways to pass the time after a long day of working from home being isolated in my spare bedroom (now office) thanks to the plague creating havoc worldwide. I read, and reread some books, tried to put the phone down, rode my bike all over the area but somehow I always found myself searching for music I like. My friends and I all have varying tastes that span through punk and hardcore to goth and post punk and even some metal. The link to Swan Wash's cassette was an astounding find that all of us will gladly appreciate for a very long time.

The band consists of Ex members of Kam Kama, Hive Mind, Fever Dream, Horror Scene and Dasher that all came together to form Swan Wash and live out their desires to play death rock using Blessure Grave and Christian Death as a starting point. 

Swan Wash reveal seven gloomy offerings that call upon the glorious days of the past while pushing forward into the future to unleash their statement upon those willing to receive it. The music surges through the borders of post punk, goth, shoe gaze to find a landing point in the death rock realm. Swan Wash does fine job blurring the boundaries of the genres they operate in. The gentle haunting chills of the wailing guitar feels like a distant call from the past that won't let go until you release yourself completely to it's will. Laced will plenty of reverb and atmosphere, Swan Wash's style creates a momentary escape to a place where the music takes control and peels away some of the pressures of life. The vocals help open up the sound and creates an airy atmosphere that caresses the senses with awe and anticipation. Lyrically, there seems to be a very personal perspective working here. Are the themes really about backyards, hissing leaves, a roof or 2, carpets, doors and various furniture? Probably not, but they make it sound so freaking good. 

"Yard" seems to be the overwhelming favorite with it's impressive hooks and choruses , but any track here could be the lead one. "Floor Camp" navigates through a near seven minute, time-traveling to the 80's concluding routine ending the self-titled cassette with a romp into an erie murky soundscape packed with a heavy dose of piercing guitars,  gripping vocals and welcomed revelry. 

Treat yourself to one of the coolest releases your friends don't know about. You could be a hero when they thank you for the tip. Enjoy!

May 09 2020