Swoon

Silversun Pickups gets closer to finding its own inimitable sound

The band Silversun Pickups hailing from Los-Angeles presents quite an interesting example of how imitating one’s idol can help to gain popularity. The thing is that although this collecitv’e musicians name such bands as My Bloody Valentine, The Velvet Underground, Elliott Smith, Sonic Youth, Sweet, Modest Mouse and Secret Machines among those who has influenced their creative work the most obvious resemblance in its sound is with the cult band Smashing Pumpkins. The 2006’s debut album was the first and bright testimony was the fist and bright testimony of the fact and live performances also allow one to make sure, taking into account Silversun Pickups’ tough touring schedule. This year vocalist and guitarist Brian Aubert, bassist and vocalist Nikki Monninger, drummer Christopher Guanlao and keyboardist Joe Lester are glad to present us to their sophomore effort Swoon which is another great way to make sure how talented and even original these guys can be when they get closer and closer to finding their own inimitable sound.

Swoon is a much more original creation than the debut work

Distorted guitars, the vocalist’s creaky constrained voice, complicated tunes and unforgettable keyboards against the background of some contagious drums – all of it is present on Silversun Pickups’ second recording. Naturally listening to Swoon one cannot help remembering the music of Smashing Pumpkins or the band Ride, but on the whole it is a much more original creation than the debut work. The album opens with There's No Secrets This Year featuring an unusual chorus and a text built on contradictions and pleasing with all the characteristics mentioned above. A bit more up-tempo track The Royal We is remarkable for a memorable tune and sullen lyrics while one of the album’s highlights Growing Old Is Getting Old conquers with both the splendid drums and deep philosophic thoughts. It is worth noting that on the whole Silversun Pickups has progressed a lot lyrically as complex rhymes and the thematic variety truly does credit to the songwriters. The first single Panic Switch is probably one of the band’s most powerful pieces so far. One can hear some sure-fire guitar hooks here, an impressive solo and Aubert’s vocals combines rather successfully with the faultless instrumental background. The song Substitution proves to be another contender to be called the record’s highlight: a catchy melody, great vocals and the instruments – everything on it deserves praise. Another deep composition about relationships Catch And Release pleases with a beautiful orchestra arrangement and the album closer is one of the heaviest tracks here Surrounded (Or Spiraling), proving once again that Silversun Pickups really can surprise.

Swoon can be by no means called out of date or too simple

The album’s producer is once again Dave Cooley who has already worked with Silversun Pickups on the previous album. Swoon has been recorded in less than a year and is a collection on which features of alternative rock are combined with the elements of pop music occasionally flavored with a contagious Britpop. The band has been working on the record in its own studio called The Dark initially recording 17 compositions only 10 of which were found worthy to make the final variant of Swoon. It is but evident that none of the band members is worried that their music might be compared to their idols’ works as the guys just do what they like and in the best possible way. Unusual audio effects, noises, overdubbing - Silversun Pickups has made an extensive use of all of that on the second album so it can be by no means called out of date or too simple. On the other hand, each of the instruments as well as the vocals are distinct and particular which is also Swoon’s weighty merit. It is quite probable that the Californians’ next creation will reveal even more original moments but whatever happens this year Silversun Pickups has done justice to itself already for the second time.