Album review: SWIM DEEP – Emerald Classics

September 9th, 2019 by jason

[Release date 04.10.19]

Swim Deep formed in 2011 and their first two albums made the UK album charts. However, last year they were sat at a crossroads in their local pub – The Emerald, from which the album takes its name – wondering if it was all worth it.

After the release of their second album ‘Mothers’, and having played Glastonbury and gone out on tour with the 1975, they very nearly fell apart at the seams leading to a couple of members departing. Austin Williams (vocals, guitar, synths, piano), James Balmont (keys, keytar, synths, vocals) and Cavan McCarthy (bass, synths, keys, vocals) were joined by guitarist Robbie Wood and drummer Thomas “Tomaski” Fiquet.

The album’s lead single ‘To Feel Good’ takes part of the 1991 Rozalla hit single ‘Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)’, adding a full gospel choir – the Margate Social Singing Choir. An upbeat melody which tells the story of Austin’s real-life experiences of signing on and how made a choice to become a musician. Swim Deep channel so many influences, be it a little bit of the Pet Shop Boys on ‘World I Share’ or 80s electro hit makers OMD and Ultravox on ‘0121 Desire’.

‘Sail Away, Say Goodbye’ has a massively catchy chorus, with plenty of synths and the melodic vocals of Austin. It has number one written all over it, if only enough people got to hear it and stream it. For a proper synth wig out check out ‘Drag Queens In Soho’ – could almost be prog!

There is a strong 90’s indie pop feel to ‘Top Of The Pops’ – like Pulp jamming with Ride and the Divine Comedy. Pure pop bliss and another hit in the making if only it gets exposure.

Music that can’t help but make you feel good and adds to a growing list of essential pop albums for 2019, along with the Divine Comedy and My Life Story. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)