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The Swims (or, typographically, "The SW!MS" for the full upside-down anagram effect) are a relatively new addition to the Philadelphia psychedelic indie-rock tradition. They first bring to mind Elephant 6 old-schoolers Apples in Stereo and Of Montreal with their mostly peppy, candy-colored garage-pop, but The Swims bring some other elements to the equation as well, not the least of which is their nerdy tendencies. They have lyrics that humorously reference fantasy, video games, and Star Wars ("blasters set on stun" and "thank the Force," from "Knitting and Knitting"), and there are affectionately tongue-in-cheek musical homages to Hobbit-rockers like Rush and Black Sabbath (and, by association, Spinal Tap). The Swims employ vintage keys like Farfisa, Mellotron and, on one song, bar-room piano. Like many other bands of the genre, they include an old-timey ukulele ditty, and that's not the only stylistic departure. "Clean Escape" is a melancholy country-ish ballad with slide guitar, and the abrasive garage stomp of "Lose," while grating, includes the funny lyric "I can't believe how much you lose!" This disc is the band's first full-length, and they're already establishing themselves as a bright constellation in the psych-pop Zodiac. (mike.04.06)
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