19 Dec 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Swerve City - Single Review: Sink Like Stones

05 Feb 2021 // A review by Ben Ruegg

Right now, across New Zealand, there is a storm that keeps getting bigger and stronger. That storm is made up of an incredible group of artists and bands who are working to get more exposure to and notice from what I would call 'the mainstream'. And Swerve City are amongst those bands who are working hard and effectively to develop a brand, an image and a sound to get theirs, and your, attention.

Having released a cover of the track Dangerous by Big Data which was filtered through Swerve City's sound, audiences were introduced a version which in my opinion is an incredible take on the original. But we are of course not talking about Dangerous. I am simply pointing out that it was a clever idea in giving us a little bit of a vision of what Swerve City's original tracks could sound like. And honestly, Sink Like Stones is a banger. Really. I mean. Give it a few listens. Pay attention to its details and nuance.

Let's discuss.

Right from the get-go, listen to that riff of the guitars and the bass working to ground the track. There is a pedal happening there in the bass that works so well with the main riff which has a sweet groove, only even more exemplified by the lead guitar melody. The drums pound along with the guitar at times. The crunch and the grittiness are there. The sense of development is on show. Listen to the mix, the harmonies, the spacious feel that comes from the chorus. The change from the verse groove to the chorus where we get thrown in the deep end (pun intended) only helps to lift the urgency of the song's lyrics. One special note here: I absolutely love the little shift from the minor 3rd into major 3rd in the chorus during its first phrase. Pardon my music theory, but seriously, its little ideas like that which show they care about the craft and art of songwriting. Bravo.

JP's vocals are absolutely solid here, and as the track moves through its verses and chorus, by the end, there is a sense of urgency that you will honestly feel. I was blown away. It's a cry, and it's a gut-wrenching one too. His voice is at its ends. It grabs your attention at one of the most important parts of the track. Even though there have been hints we might get something like this, the ending is insane. The sincerity is real and you can tell.

Overall, this is a hell of a first original track from a band that came out last year, proving yet again just how great the scene is here in NZ. Super tight playing from everyone paired with exceptional production means this is a track that truly stands out.

I look forward to hearing this live and feeling that last part of the song in the presence of the band and the others around me.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Swerve City

Swerve City are an alternative rock quartet from Auckland, New Zealand, looking to leave an impression on the global rock landscape.

Swerve City possesses a sound that blends melodic rock with undertones of metal and pop sensibilities.


Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Swerve City

Releases

Over Oceans
Year: 2024
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Ben Ruegg

The Gemini Effect - Album Review: Hotwire Babylon
28 Nov 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
Hailing from Auckland’s North Shore, The Gemini Effect is a trio that brings a fresh, unapologetic energy to alternative rock. Fronted by Rob Sharp on guitar and vocals, with John Blackburn on bass and Ben Farrant on drums, the band blends influences as diverse as grunge, psychedelic rock, dub, and garage.
Read More...
Ollie McLean - EP Review: Bluesrappin'
29 Sep 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
Ollie McLean's debut EP Bluesrappin' is quite the experience. Recorded and produced by his friend, Ollie who is only 21 brings a sound that reminds me of a cross between old school Beck and Beastie Boys.
Read More...
SKILAA - Album Review: Tiger In The River
04 Jul 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
SKILAA’s sound is a unique blend of RnB, alternative, progressive folk, and hip-hop. The band began writing together in late 2017 after meeting through Auckland University’s Jazz programme.
Read More...
Aotearoa Music Awards 2024
02 Jun 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
Thursday 30 May, 2024 was a wonderful night for our music industry. The Aotearoa Music Awards were being held for the first time at the Viaduct Event Centre, and for the first time in two years.
Read More...
Dan Sharp - Album Review: Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up
30 May 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
The opening track of Dan Sharp's album named Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up sounds familiar in a good way. It's like coming home after a long day, with cold weather and rain, but opening a door to warmth and comfort.
Read More...
Tom Knowles - Album Review: Atarangi - Morning Sky
28 Jun 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
Tom Knowles latest release Atarangi - Morning Sky is a must listen. Like, close this page now, go listen to the album, and then come back and read this.
Read More...
SuperMild - Single Review: Self Respect
21 Jun 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
SuperMild is a 3-piece genre-spanning band based in Auckland. Once cited in a review as spanning Reggae, Dub, Roots, RnB, Funk, Psychedelic, Rock, and Jazz, SuperMild is driven by a desire to not get stuck in one sound, and to bring banter, energy, a good time, and a great sound to as many stages as possible.
Read More...
Mazbou Q - SURVIVR6 - EP Review: Metahuman
11 May 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
This latest EP release, Metahuman, immerses listeners in a captivating cinematic journey from its very first note. With an infusion of sounds and concepts reminiscent of high-budget modern action films, the EP exudes an undeniable sense of intensity and potency that is instantly evident on the opening track, BBDO.
Read More...
View All Articles By Ben Ruegg

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem