musicc's Full Review: Swoon [PA] [Digipak] by Silversun Pickups
Out of popular music these days Silversun Pickups are by far the most talented. They may not be as popular as Kings of Leon but they have a strong following and get a bit of radio play. Even though their first album Carnavas was released 2006 the band didn't get popular till two years later when they were featured on Guitar Hero 4. Swoon is their follow up album and they prove they can avoid the "Sophomore Slump" and create an album every bit as great as their last.
Right off the bat we are treated to one of the albums highlights. There's No Secrets This Year is five straight minutes of rocking out. The hooks are incredible and perfectly illistraits all their strenghts. By far the one thing that sets the Silversun Pickups ahead of their contemparies is their talent. The guitar riffs are excellent filled with a new hook every few seconds. It is a ridiclously cathy song that never lets up. They could have cut the last thirty seconds but it doesn't really hurt the song. The Royal We is up next, it starts off slower but builds up into another hard hitting song. It isn't as catchy as the last but is just as good. I never really understood most of Silversun Pickups lyrics so I won't really go into great detail.
Making good use of clever song titles that doesn't come across as stupid or gimmicky is Growing Old is Getting Old. It is a pretty slow song but not like a ballad. The slow pace works well until it speeds up a bit after the three minute mark. The vocals are haunting but heartfelt. Its Nice to Know You Work Alone is up next. It has a catchy guitar riff and a strong melody. The vocals are slightly haunting again as we hear the title name in the chorus, not sure what they mean when they say it but it works.
Next up is one of the highlights Panic Switch, a hard hitting dark sounding song. The bass dominates the song with its deep and consistent sound. The chorus is oddly relaxing, almost as if it contridicts the song. Sort Of ends up sounding pretty similar to "Panic Switch" with a deep bassline and breaking from slow to fast. It is quite good and has a dreamlike sound to it.
Slowing things up a bit Subsitution has a clean sounding electric guitar line for most of the song. It is a nice change in pace and sounds great. It could be argued that it goes on a little too long but you could make that arguement for just about every song. Catch and Release is up next and perhaps its because its near the end of the album, it sort of generates the feeling of you've heard this before. Its not a bad song by any means but sounds almost too similar to the songs before it. The guitar line is solid and the vocals are dream inducing but something about it feels recycled. Closing out the album is Surrounded (or Spiraling) and while it does feel a bit samey too there is enough energy to get past it. Its a strong closer and finishes out the album on a good note.
Overall this is a fine album and one of the better releases from 2009. It is similar to Carnavas but different as I feel that the band has grown. I'm not sure which album I like more but they are both incredibly good. If you like hypnotic dream like music that has pop sensabilites than you would probably like these guys. They clearly demonstrate their talent in this album as their guitar lines have improved but also their bass lines which feel darker and more integreal to the songs. Its not a perfect album, it starts to blend together after a while, some more diversity would have been nice but I suppose we'll have to wait for next album. Lyrics are a bit out there but I guess its just being consistent with the music, it doesn't bother me but some people might mind. I enjoyed this album and if you liked their last one then get this and find out why the Silversun Pickups are one of the most talented bands out there right now.
As a sidenote I was lucky enough to see a free show of theirs in Vancouver, they played in acoustic set and it was really nice. They seem like nice people and have a good sense of humor and liked making small jokes.
4.5 stars rounded down
Song list (Bolded ones are my favorites)
There's No Secrets This Year 5/5 The Royal We 5/5 Growing Old is Getting Old 4/5 Its Nice to Know You Work Alone 4/5 Panic Switch 5/5 Draining 3.5/5 Sort Of 4/5 Subsitution 4/5 Catch and Release 3/5 Surrounded (or Spiraling) 4.5
Track Listing 1. There s No Secrets This Year 2. The Royal We 3. Growing Old Is Getting Old 4. It s Nice To Know You Work Alone 5. Panic Switch 6. Dra...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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