swim school - ‘Give Me A Reason Why’ Review: When forever, becomes history
It’s a belter you’d scream in the car, and for a moment, everything feels a little better.
★★★★★★★★☆☆
Credit: swim school 📸
Give Me A Reason Why is the visceral new single from swim school, released via LAB Records on 10th January 2024. Hailing from Edinburgh, the fiery trio include Alice Johnson (vocals), Lewis Bunting (guitar) and Billy McMahon (drums).
After previous single BORED, Give Me A Reason Why expands on what makes swim school a band to watch. Sprawling vocal harmonies, ambitious instrumentals and gorgeous narratives. They're a force to be reckoned with. So much so, that last year was full of major festival appearances, tours and a support slot with The Amazons.
Give Me A Reason Why explores heartbreak in its rawest form. That moment forever becomes history. It finds itself navigating the key themes of a breakup. Rather than unpicking the downfall, Alice throws us in the middle of it all. 'Standing here shaking, my heart almost breaking' immediately setting the scene. From this moment, the track cleverly begins the process of self-awareness. Guilt morphs into enlightenment, Alice embraces 'finally being herself for the first time'.
Following the simple nature of indie-rock storytelling makes this so damn catchy. The character and charm nestled away in this track come from the instruments. Flipping between soothing melodies for the narrative and thrashing fury for the chorus. It's a contrast that feels rewarding on repeat listen.
There are elements of band contemporaries Inhaler and Wolf Alice leading as clear inspiration. swim school even described themselves as 'TESCO Wolf Alice' back in 2021. That statement feels like a lifetime ago, as they come into their own.
This is a belter you’d scream in the car and for a moment, everything feels a little better.
It wouldn't be surprising if this track opens the doors to something bigger. Another EP, or debut album could be on the cards. swim school have established themselves as a captivating presence, with consistent playlist-worthy tunes.
If you haven’t listened to swim school yet, this is your reason.
Now, it’s your turn. Give it a spin, and tell us what you think on Insta or X.
Rating: 8/10
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