There’s a lot of talk about Paramore‘s new album, but it’s their Fueled By Ramen labelmates who will be stealing their thunder. The Swellers. Remember the name. Because if you don’t already, then you will soon. ‘Ups and Downsizing’ is an absolute stunner of a record. It kind of reminds me of No Use For A Name mixed with Over It mixed with Much The Same. They play a brand of melodic pop-punk with riffs and gruffier vocals, which means there’s enough to appeal to the pop kids and enough for the punk kids too. And while so many attempt it, not too many manage to pull it off with as much success as The Swellers do.
This is a fun record from start to finish. It’s a positive record lyrically, but there’s so much energy and bounce in the songs that you’ll be singing along in no time. ‘Sleeper’ certainly reminds me of NUFAN, maybe even a little MxPx (back when they were good) too. ‘The Iron’ is absolutely incredible, while ‘Fire Away’ is massive. What I like about this record, and this band, is that while they do the fast, 100mph thing really well they mix it up to perfection. ‘Stars’ isn’t the token ballad, it’s a genuinely great song. And even the ‘slower’ pop-punk songs have so much energy and such huge choruses you will sing along.
The only negative is that ‘Ups and Downsizing’ may get lost in the Paramore hysteria as the two records are out on the same day. Don’t let that happen. Pick up this record – it’s one of the best of the year.