Silversun Pickups – Swoon

There seems to be some unwritten rule that every review of a Silversun Pickups record should make mention of a certain other band with the initials ‘SP’. Even the ones that don’t do it have to make mention of the fact that all the others do, so I’ve failed already. The comparison is a pretty fucking lazy one in truth though (which is why I keep on making it) – sure, there are a lot of similarities, but it’s not like they’re a direct replacement.

It might not see them completely escape the Diet Pumpkins tag that followed them around with the release of Carnavas a couple of years back, but Swoon is definitely a big move away from the sound on that album. Opener There’s No Secrets This Year (which, it has to be said, could very easily be something off Siamese Dream) is the closest they come to anything on their debut full length, and the most straightforward thing on here. From here the strings kick in and you’re listening to Silversun Pickups 2.0, a different proposition altogether.

Thing is, Swoon is lacking in the pop tunes that got people’s attention in the first place – there’s nothing that could sit beside something like Melatonin or Lazy Eye on Carnavas – but makes up for that to an extent with far greater depth. It’s a more consistent record, with less filler and more of a proper structure, but also missing the immediacy of the best stuff on that album.

One thing that becomes pretty apparent early on is that they weren’t too bothered about song length. Things end where they need to end – I made and ate a Pot Noodle during one track, and it was still only just hinting at a conclusion when I put my fork down. The unhurried approach doesn’t always work, with some of the more intricate parts dragging, but really benefits highlights like album centrepiece Panic Switch and the slow burning Catch & Release. They’re both given time to grow to a finish without being forced to fit some time limit, and are better for it.

The same thing is true for the record as a whole – give it time to grow, and it’ll reward in the end.

7/10