Review: Silversun Pickups – Swoon
Silversun Pickups – Swoon (2009) [Dangerbird] // Grade: B
Lets get this out of the way… Silversun Pickups REALLY sound a lot like The Smashing Pumpkins circa Siamese Dream. Swoon really doesn’t do anything to get away from those very comparisons they elicited on their debut, Carnavas. If anything, Swoon actually just veers more & more into drawing those comparisons. While mimicking another band is hardly original, doing just that is the foundation the current Shoegaze & Dream-Pop revival has been built upon. The fact that Silversun Pickups have chosen to take their cue’s from The Smashing Pumpkins, not only makes them unique amongst the army of Slowdive/MBV revivalists quickly marching towards a tipping point, but puts them in the distinct position to really capitalize on whatever commercial success the scene eventually receives.
Swoon’s timely release of Pumpkins-esque Shoesgaze meets Coheed & Cambria Emo-Prog could very well position themselves as being that very “tipping point” bringing what’s currently just a reoccurring trend on music blogs to an army of High School aged Emo kids looking for the next band to guide them through the next chapter of their adolescence.
- My Pal the Crook
April 8th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I’ve been listening to this album everday at work, hoping that sooner or later I will fall in love with it, but I just keep going back to Carnavas for that blown out distorted sound I love so very much. I have to admit I was expecting a bit more for this album. Either way I still fucking love this band. I’m hoping they go on tour soon!
April 8th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I actually really like the distortion sound on Swoon, how it’s all mids… But again it’s just like the Pumpkins.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Are you reviewing the band’s new album or their career trajectory?
April 9th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I’m stating where this album has the potential to take this band.