Since forming in 2018, indie-rockers Swim School have been gaining popularity from their guitar heavy tracks like ‘Delirious’ on their first 3 EP’s.
The 3-piece band from Scotland have been supporting growing bands including Inhaler, Lovejoy and The Amazons as well as beginning their own UK headline tour earlier this month.
Title track ‘Seeing It Now’ is an electrifying entry point into Swim School’s Debut EP/mixtape. The song is infused with vigorous guitar riffs which oppose singer Alice Johnson’s softer vocals. Despite being different intensity’s the guitar and singing match to create a beautiful yet soul-stirring feeling.
Things only get more fiery in the next track ‘Give Me A Reason Why.’ Tackling breakups, you can hear the emotions of torment and anger in the heartfelt music. This song will easily be one to shake the room and have fans screaming along, letting go of their hurt when performed live.
On the opposite end of the spectrum ‘To Grow’ offers a new taste of what Swim School are capable of. The calmer acoustic guitar is a dramatic switch in the EP making it feel like the aftermath of a battle. Johnson’s vocals bubble over with gloom and dismay especially in the line ‘You hurt me more than you’ll ever know.’ ‘To Grow’ expresses sorrow and loneliness rather than the anger bursting from previous songs.
Nearing the end of the EP, Swim School revisit a track from their 2022 EP ‘Making Sense Of It All’ titled ‘See Red- From Studio 456.’ Before each chorus the song slows slightly but quickly swaps to be flowing with passion again. ‘All those years messing with my head I was so blind, now I only see red’ Explores the emotions of regret when realising how blindsided you were during a relationship. Billy McMahon’s drumming owns the track especially at the end where it excels with energy.
Lastly, ending the EP is a wholesome mix of two live covers, ‘Where is my mind’ and ‘You And Me Song.’ Once more Swim School prove they can do it all as they master this relaxed, acoustic set. Johnson’s vocals continue enchanting as they switch back and forth between the two songs.
