Silversun Pickups - Swoon

[Jeremy Aaron]

Silversun Pickups - Swoon
Record Label: Dangerbird Records
Release Date: April 14, 2009

Who?

Silversun Pickups are the Southern California four-piece whose auspicious 2005 EP, Pikul, foreshadowed the excellence that would follow on their full-length debut, 2006's Carnavas, which rose to surprising success, given its release on the small indie label Dangerbird, with the singles "Lazy Eye" and "Well Thought Out Twinkles" setting the charts ablaze. After nearly three years, they're making their highly anticipated return.

How Is It?

Swoon? That's what fans of Carnavas are likely to do upon listening to its long-awaited follow-up. That's not to say that Silversun Pickups have remade their last album. In fact, they've done a tremendous job of writing a record that precludes accusations to that effect, all the while retaining all that was charming about Carnavas. Similarly to how that album represented a more muscular approach to the dynamic, yet intimate, style the band explored on Pikul, Swoon kicks everything up another notch or two, and the result is a record that is fuller, heavier, and in many ways, even better than its predecessor.

Back for another go-round are frontman Brian Aubert's haunting dream-pop vocal and hazy guitar work that have become the band's trademark. For evidence, look no further than the opener, "There's No Secrets This Year," a veritable wall of distortion that collapses into a wash of swirling keys as Aubert delivers the line, "Better make sure you're looking closely before you fall into your swoon." Clearly not content to rest on their laurels, Silversun Pickups sound energized and ready to rock from the very start. They also sound newly inspired, as "The Royal We" features string accents, which add an orchestral flair to what is perhaps the heaviest guitar-rock song they've recorded.

The amps are turned back down a bit for the first few minutes of "Growing Old Is Getting Old," which features a Breeders-esque bass line and shimmering guitars, not unlike their work on Pikul, until it also erupts with a furious blast of scratchy fuzz. It's further demonstration of Silversun Pickups' skill at writing well-developed compositions, something they've always done well. The ten tracks on Swoon average over five minutes each, but despite their length, manage to remain interesting and avoid the pitfall of becoming self-indulgent. Even the single, "Panic Switch," which is currently lighting up the airwaves, is compelling throughout its near six-minute run-time.

If there's a forseeable complaint with this album, it would be that, at certain points, like the aforementioned single, undisguised hooks seem to be inserted, ostensibly to enhance its rock radio appeal. While the success of Carnavas with mainstream audiences was largely accidental, there are moments on Swoon that sound like a play to capitalize on the name recognition that Silversun Pickups now enjoy. However, it would be unfair to discount these songs on those grounds, as musically and lyrically, they are light-years more inspired than the average radio single.

The hypnotic "Draining" provides a brief respite from the intensity of the album's first half, with the band at the most soothing you'll find them on Swoon, with the string section making its presence known here as well. The other unexpected number on the set is "Substitution," on which the band experiment with a more organic sound. Though it does contain its fair share of guitar fuzz, there's more use of clean guitar tones and even a glimpse of what Aubert's singing voice sounds like when he's not trying to sounds all breathy (he actually sounds a bit like... Andy Hull? No kidding!).

The album draws to a close solidly, with the one-two punch of "Catch and Release," which contains a deep guitar groove, reminiscent of the '90s post-grunge from which the band have frequently drawn influence, and "Surrounded," a mid-tempo tune that would have been right at home on Carnavas. It's an apt way to end the record, which finds Silversun Pickups stretching and adding to their sound, without straying too far from the formula that's earned them the success they've achieved so far. From front to back, the album is anchored by the hazy, dramatic soundscapes we've come to love, and the addition of more prominent strings and heavier guitar parts has added depth to their already mature sound. Truly an album for everyone, there isn't likely to be another record this year that will appeal to the casual rock fan and the indie snob quite as readily as Swoon.

Silversun Pickups' Carnavas
Citizens Here and Abroad's Ghosts of Tables and Chairs
Secret Machines' Ten Silver Drops
Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream
The Crash That Took Me's Orchestrated Kaleidoscopes

Check out Silversun Pickups on Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/silversunpickups).

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Awesome review, I like this album so much more then Carnavas. Maybe it's just me but it seems to have more lasting power.

[Steve Henderson]

Very thorough review. This album is quite rad.

[sabinx]

this album is pretty awesome.

[Analog Rebellion]

I can't wait for this.

[TSTLSOOM]

I can't wait for this.
same here. gonna get it LP status.

[ManInMusicBox]

I don't know what it is. I feel like I'm the only person that just cannot get into this band.

[S9Dallasoz]

"The Royal We" & "Sort Of" = JAMS

[Shatter_Glass]

can't wait to pick this hurrr up. Last one was the best record the Smashing Pumpkins never made. I loved it.

[Armor42]

I'll have to check this out

[Illuminate]

It's real good.

[djsclaus]

It's a pretty good album. I've only been able to listen to the whole thing once so far, but I can tell that it will definitely have some lasting power.

[oddwithoutend]

Great review. The album does exactly what it's supposed to. Haven't decided yet if it's a better rock album than Mean Everything to Nothing. Close call.

[alexander!5000]

this album is amazing

[Analog Rebellion]

Also, referring to the "Recommended If You Like" section, "Ten Silver Drops" is by far Secret Machines' worst album. Just sayin' :-).

[PaperRival-Jake]

This is a good band.

[what_ever]

Listened to the first half of this earlier today - just awesome.

[Mattylikesfilms]

"The royal we" and "catch and release" are sweeeeeeet. Love this whole record and it is def. A step up past carnavas. I'm a huge fan of them now.

[antimatter]

iz gud band.

[EndSerenading]

I have not listened to this yet, but I have heard two people compare it to early smashing pumpkins...Siamese Dream is one of my all time top 10s so I'm probably getting my hopes up too much

[Analog Rebellion]

I have not listened to this yet, but I have heard two people compare it to early smashing pumpkins...Siamese Dream is one of my all time top 10s so I'm probably getting my hopes up too much
Yea, they get ripped on sometimes for sounding too much like the Pumpkins, but I consider them unique enough.

[jdark6]

Love the opening track on this album.

[hockeyguitar99]

I am waiting this one out, I'm excited for this.

[ScottFarcas]

Such a good album, I like it alot

[ScottFarcas]

This album is awesome, I love this one more than their last one.

[averdon4788]

Ok important question. Common Reactor was my favorite song on Carnavas, and imo the perfect album closer. How does the final song on Swoon compare?

[NateFoundGlory]

I never got the Smashing Pumpkins comparison, but then again, I can't stand Billy Corgan...

However, I absolutely adore Carnavas, and I've listened to this cd at least twice, and I think it may surpass it. Can't get enough of this band.

Is Pitkul any good? I've been meaning to pick that up.

[whalesandgravy]

it's nice to know you wear cologne

[S9Dallasoz]

Ok important question. Common Reactor was my favorite song on Carnavas, and imo the perfect album closer. How does the final song on Swoon compare?
I prefer "Common Reactor," one of my favorites from Carnavas too.

[RetardedInLove]

Carnavas is one of my favorite albums ever and Pikul wasn't too shabby either. Absolutely can't wait for this album.

[Petzl]

This band is great, i'm looking forward to this.

[oddwithoutend]

Ok important question. Common Reactor was my favorite song on Carnavas, and imo the perfect album closer. How does the final song on Swoon compare?
Common Reactor remains one of sspu's best tracks.

[texasismyreason]

Don't think it's fair to make a major assumption that they inserted hooks for "radio appeal". Maybe because they thought it would sound good?

[holybuble]

Yea, they get ripped on sometimes for sounding too much like the Pumpkins, but I consider them unique enough.
just because journalists are boring and without fantasy.this band is fantastic.Refreshing and exciting.

[EndSerenading]

Yea, they get ripped on sometimes for sounding too much like the Pumpkins, but I consider them unique enough.
ok after listening to their last album through and now listening to this album...I can see the comparison in certain riffs or certain isolated sections of their stuff, but as a whole I don't think they are really that close to Smashing Pumpkins. You can tell they were influenced by them but thats about it. Either way I am enjoying their stuff :D

[11:11]

Fantastic album.

[AlinA82688]

i've never listened to a leaked album so much in my life. when this comes out i'm buying the shit out of it

[siamesedream]

I absolutely hated this band's last record - and the fact that everyone seemed to compare it to the Pumpkins, my favorite band, really pushed me further over the edge. I didnt see the similarity other than higher-pitched male vocals and an attempt at fuzzy guitars that sounded like cleaned up samples of fuzzy guitars. It didn't sound remotely 90s and i felt it was an insult to compare them to the bands i love. To me it was like saying Nickelback sounded like Nirvana

The other day, i heard "Panic Switch" and i have to say this band got it right this time around. I'm approaching this album with open ears and hoping it's going to change my mind on them. On the single, the guitars sound like guitars, the basslines are crisp and prominent, overall its just more powerful and full, and there's more of a soft/loud dynamic that didnt have any punch on the last record...even the singer has grown on me, whereas before i thought he should be singing for some shitty modern pop rock band like Umbrellas or Jacks Mannequin.

[AlinA82688]

it's nice to know you wear cologne
haha what a great first post

[oddwithoutend]

it's nice to know you wear cologne
Haha

[PoisonInMyVeins]

I wasn't a big fan of Carnavas. I'll check it out regardless.

[Analog Rebellion]

just because journalists are boring and without fantasy.this band is fantastic.Refreshing and exciting.
Agreed.

I absolutely hated this band's last record - and the fact that everyone seemed to compare it to the Pumpkins, my favorite band, really pushed me further over the edge. I didnt see the similarity other than higher-pitched male vocals and an attempt at fuzzy guitars that sounded like cleaned up samples of fuzzy guitars. It didn't sound remotely 90s and i felt it was an insult to compare them to the bands i love. To me it was like saying Nickelback sounded like Nirvana

The other day, i heard "Panic Switch" and i have to say this band got it right this time around. I'm approaching this album with open ears and hoping it's going to change my mind on them. On the single, the guitars sound like guitars, the basslines are crisp and prominent, overall its just more powerful and full, and there's more of a soft/loud dynamic that didnt have any punch on the last record...even the singer has grown on me, whereas before i thought he should be singing for some shitty modern pop rock band like Umbrellas or Jacks Mannequin.
Harsh. I think the shoe-gazer vibe that the Silversun Pickups sometimes embody might not be your thing, but I personally love it. I loved the production of their last album. Everything was loud, everything was totally over-compressed, everything sounded amazing, in my opinion. Brian's guitar tone is so unique, and it's one of my favorite things about the band.

[siamesedream]

Agreed.


Harsh. I think the shoe-gazer vibe that the Silversun Pickups sometimes embody might not be your thing, but I personally love it. I loved the production of their last album. Everything was loud, everything was totally over-compressed, everything sounded amazing, in my opinion. Brian's guitar tone is so unique, and it's one of my favorite things about the band.

On the contrary...look at my favorite band list - the problem I had was that I love 90s shoegaze and alt-rock more than any other type of music...and i felt they didn't do that sound well and had no right being compared to the Pumpkins, or great shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Swervedriver, etc...

Modern shoegaze done right? check out Fleeting Joys, Amusement Parks on Fire, or even the first Asobi Seksu record...although I did say I will give the Pickups credit for their new single and I plan to listen to the new record. The guitar tone and lack of bass presence are my personal main complaint of the band's last album. Putting a little overdrive on something doesnt make shoegaze. There's alot more layering, volume, and/or use of the tremolo in the guitar playing that creates that style.

[EndSerenading]

Agreed.


Harsh. I think the shoe-gazer vibe that the Silversun Pickups sometimes embody might not be your thing, but I personally love it. I loved the production of their last album. Everything was loud, everything was totally over-compressed, everything sounded amazing, in my opinion. Brian's guitar tone is so unique, and it's one of my favorite things about the band.
I have to disagree and say that I think the production was a little too clean on the guitars. Not enough to ruin it as I still enjoyed it but if you listen to Siamese Dream or Gish, the "raw" quality is really what made those productions absolutely perfect for their style at the time. Sometimes it just sounds a little weird to have as clean of a production as they have and still be pushing the fuzzed up guitar tone they are going for.

And I agree with ^ that Amusement Parks on Fire are good. They have great production for a modern shoegaze band. More raw and has more room to breathe. Production is my main complaint with silversun (but once again I still enjoy them)

[arson]

Good review, I'm really looking forward to picking this up soon.

[holybuble]

i really like the fact that they just bring back on the table the type of approach that 90's indie bands had.
No care for image,just songs.
Finally people is start talking again about 90's;and not just because some shitty "nu"-grunge trash.

[Untitled09]

Listened to this album and was surprised beyond belief. They bring back the past with the powerful bass and begin new with good vocals and I'm still held on by the voice of Aubert. I don't think this band will leave the scene anytime soon. If anything, Swoon will put it on the top.

[myplasticyou]

album is sweet. nice to know you work alone is my fav track so far

[Mikecarrozza]

This album is terrible compared to Carnavas.
You can tell that at least 3-4 of the sogs were written the same way and have a dominant triplet feel. Carnavas was beautiful and Swoon is just a huge step down.

[loveisnotenough]

this album reeks of kickassness

[LiquorAndDick]

Great album. 'The Royal We' is a jam.

[ninthandash]

Putting a little overdrive on something doesnt make shoegaze. There's alot more layering, volume, and/or use of the tremolo in the guitar playing that creates that style.

seconded. that really gets my goat when I see straight instrumental bands put "shoegaze" as a genre.
/rant

I honestly don't have a problem saying that SSPUPS borrows a lot from shoegaze, but I wouldn't call them the model of a modern shoegaze band. And nice plug for Amusement Parks, great stuff.

[DejaNew]

This band always takes me a few listens to get into, but once it's in my head, it's there for good. Great review.

[Shattered Glass]

Good, solid album.

[hienz429]

I'm really digging this record right now

[Analog Rebellion]

I'm really digging this record right now
Me too, although I still think I like Carnavas better.

[Shattered Glass]

There isn't a song comparable to Lazy Eye, Kissing Families or Well Thought Out Twinkles so it is a little harder to appreciate this album.

[ratmachine182]

Yea, they get ripped on sometimes for sounding too much like the Pumpkins, but I consider them unique enough.

pumpkins mixed with wheatus haha

[ratmachine182]

There isn't a song comparable to Lazy Eye, Kissing Families or Well Thought Out Twinkles so it is a little harder to appreciate this album.
i semi-agree. panic switch is pretty freaking amazing though

[jbassp]

This is the album that got me into These guys. I tried on their last album and it really didn't do it for me. This one however, is a winner in my book

[TotalCollapse]

I finally got around to getting this album. So good.

[sean4123]

This album is unbelievably good. I loved Carnavas and I love Swoon even more. They have a really original sound that is pure ear candy. It is so so so good. I just wish everyone could hear what I hear when I listen to these guys because this is my definition of a near perfect album.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

Great review. The album does exactly what it's supposed to. Haven't decided yet if it's a better rock album than Mean Everything to Nothing. Close call.
mean everything to nothing sux, swoon rules... it was the best album the smashing pumpkins ever made... lolz :]

[chelseaxsmilexD]

i semi-agree. panic switch is pretty freaking amazing though
i semi agree with you semi-agreeing. i love lazy eye, little lovers so polite and panic switch. never got into the other single.

[xapplexpiex]

mean everything to nothing sux, swoon rules... it was the best album the smashing pumpkins ever made... lolz :]
Uhhhhhh...what!? METN is incredible.

[EndSerenading]

mean everything to nothing sux, swoon rules... it was the best album the smashing pumpkins ever made... lolz :]
hey now, I really love Swoon a lot (one of my favs this year), but it doesnt even begin to approach Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie, Pisces Iscariot, and probably even Adore.

Sure, after that stuff SP really dropped off hard but before that, as much as I enjoy the Silversun Pickups, SP still overshadow them in every category. My reaction to them has been this: really solid band that basically picks up where the SP started sucking.

[xapplexpiex]

hey now, I really love Swoon a lot (one of my favs this year), but it doesnt even begin to approach Siamese Dream, Mellon Collie, Pisces Iscariot, and probably even Adore.

Sure, after that stuff SP really dropped off hard but before that, as much as I enjoy the Silversun Pickups, SP still overshadow them in every category. My reaction to them has been this: really solid band that basically picks up where the SP started sucking.
Exactly. But I do like this vocalist A LITTLE better than Billy Corgan.

[Matt Good]

this is one of my favorite albums of this year. I'm surprised no one else thinks the vocals are reminiscent of Mew at times. In a good way of course

[MBIIdollaBill]

I do agree alot of the Silversun stuff is more catchy and pop-oriented than expected, but tbh I don't see that as a negative thing at all. They do it well.

[Gautz]

This album rules beyond belief! I love it!!!!