The Sandspur

Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: myspace.com DOWN, DOWN, DOWNSIDE: The Swellers pose for a publicity shot in Flint, Michigan.

Allow me to introduce you to The Swellers, a punk-rock band from Flint, Michigan. The most recent album by this Fueled by Ramen band, "Ups and Downsizing," was released Sept. 29, right after the band changed labels to join the Fueled by Ramen lineup. When the CD came to the Sandspur office, I knew that band would be worth checking out.

As with all Fueled by Ramen bands, The Swellers play traditional punk-rock music-simple chord progressions at a fast pace. That is not to say that the musicians lack skill; that is just the sound they settled on. Every now and then they surprise the listener with a quick solo mixed into the rhythmatic sounds of the guitars and drums. Nor is that saying that it is bad. As a rabid fan of basic punk music such as The Sex Pistols and Bad Religion, I am all for the fast paced music, but I understand that it is not for everyone.

The lyrics of lyricist Nick Diener compliment the music nicely, not seeming out of place amongst the rabid rock. Lyrics such as "This is for all my friends and family, something I need you to understand. The accident, the overdose, the suicide, whatever it was … Took me sooner than we planned" from the song "Dirt," fit the melodramatic tone of the album. The lyrics are catchy, and you will find yourself singing along after hearing the album once. If you are a fan of rock music and the lyrics that go along with it, this band will swiftly become a favorite of yours.

This is not to say that they are special or unique in any way. The Swellers are just another punk band with nothing to say, right up there with Emery and Blink-182. They do not call attention to any social or political problems; they simply play their music and hand it to you as if saying, "It is what it is." And people like this. Their latest tour has them opening for Paramore, a rather large act for a rookie band to be touring with. They also toured with such bands as Less than Jake and Streetlight Manifesto.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that you should not listen to The Swellers. I know that they have wormed a spot into my exclusive CD collection and I am happy to put them there, but I am just letting you know that when you listen to them, as I suggest you do, you do not expect much. If you like fast paced punk-rock with catchy lyrics, then you will thoroughly enjoy The Swellers.

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