ShockHound

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  4 of 5

  
  

  It's not exactly breaking news that LA's Silversun Pickups sound more than a wee bit like the Smashing Pumpkins; like Billy Corgan before him, head Pickup Brian Aubert likes to get nasally introspective amid an swirling mass of distortion, hoping to find salvation (or at least temporary catharsis) somewhere in the maelstrom. On SWOON, the second SSPU full-length, the instruments are layered so densely from song to song, it becomes difficult after awhile to tell whether any given melodic line is being played by a guitar, keyboard or hired string section — everything just blurs together into one deliciously psychedelic sundae. But two things keep SWOON from melting into just another pleasant-but-forgettable shoegazer record: The propulsive rhythm section of bassist Nikki Monninger and drummer Christopher Guanlao, and Aubert's gift for writing naggingly catchy melodies and vocal hooks. In fact, it's hard to remember the last Smashing Pumpkins album with a hook-per-track ratio this bountiful, or with songs as winning as "Panic Switch," "There's No Secrets This Year" or "Sort Of." Here's hoping that Aubert has a few more records this good up his sleeve before he decides to go all ADORE on our ass. — Dan Epstein

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  whatdoesthatmean 4 of 5

  
  

  This is an album that needs a few listens in order to pick up all of its subtleties and nuances. Yeah I know, we're not exactly talking Pink FLoyd style layers here, but there's some deep stuff going on underneath what some might dismiss as another 90s alt. revival album from the Silversun Pickups. Whereas 'Carnavas' seemed a little calmer, a little quieter, and a little more like the band standing on the edge of a cliff ready to dive into greatness, 'Swoon' is them taking the plunge and experimenting more with their already impressive abilities. The songs are faster, more upbeat, and they take bigger risks (the inclusion of strings and piano on tracks is a head scratcher and a delight all at once). "There's No Secrets This Year" was a great choice for a first track--It sets up the album and makes a decleration of growth for the band. It's quicker on the uptake and a little jarring when compared to the previous album's tracks (even the edgier ones) but it tells the listener what to expect. True musical experimentation begins on the track "Panic Switch," but don't worry: There's plenty of what makes the band great to go around. Heavy riffs and long solos, strong bass lines that lurk below everything else, and the grating, earnest vocals that range from melodic to strained, desperate shouting. As someone else said in their review, there's no filler here--Just some great music to rock out to.

6 months ago

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7 months ago

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  MsCoralineJones of 5

  
  

  Hmmm, I fucking love this band. That's all.
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8 months ago

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