Elite Online Mag Elite 86 | Page 186

ELITE:REVIEW Can’t Swim - Fail You Again Pure Noise Records | Release Date: 10th March 2017 Creeper - Eternity, In Your Arms Roadrunner Records | Release Date: 24th March 2017 Coming out of Keansburg, New Jersey and literally from out of nowhere is rock 5 piece Can’t Swim. You may have seen the band recently on tour with our very own Boston Manor, they were also a 4 piece then after adding Andrea Morgan on drums after the tour. The tour proved to be a success as their name has since been on the lips of pretty much everyone who’s anyone in our world. ‘Eternity, In Your Arms’ is the debut album from horror punk heroes, Creeper, and never before has a debut come so perfectly formed. From choral blossoming’s to guttural calls, Creeper have nailed what it is to make a timelessly spellbinding album. ‘Whats Your Big Idea?’ explodes out the traps with big slabs of riffs and thunderous drumming, couple that with the fact that vocalist and guitarist Chris LoPorto sings with his native Jersey accent to add to the charm of this record. His raspy delivery changes to subtlety and delicacy on the following ‘We Wont Sleep’ with an anthemic aura that is inescapable. The flip flop in direction changes and has us firmly on our toes as ‘Friend’ brings bulked up college rock to the table whilst first single ‘Stranger’ will most certainly be sung full throated by gig goers all over the globe. The album mellows out towards the end as we get to relish in the intricacies and nuances that the band add to really push the songs forward. An impressive debut that will see Can’t Swim begin a meteoric rise. Words by Joshua Clarke Since the news arrived that the sextet from Southampton were to release their debut album after massive success with three EP’s over the years, we have been treated to the likes of ‘Suzanne’, ‘Hiding With Boys’ and ‘Black Rain’. All three scream Creeper; they’re huge, haunting and powerful. More aggressive tracks, such as ‘Poison Pens’, bring that raw hardcore edge that the band have always been inspired by and it’s a refreshing kick in the face; one that lands incredibly well. ‘Room 309’ continues that trend with a massive chorus that is bound to translate into a live classic. Hannah’s gorgeous country lullaby ‘Crickets’ brings some softness to proceedings, and ‘I Choose To Live’, is an emotional thank you to the fans. The album only grows into huge musical-tinged and Meat Loaf-esque numbers such as ‘Winona Forever’ and ‘Down Below’. These are the ones to dance and sing at the top of your lungs to. From performance, to musicianship, to visuals, and even creating a whole other word for fans to immerse themselves in, Creeper are true masters of their craft. ‘Eternity, In Your Arms’ is beaming with hard work, love and passion and it is everything anyone could have asked for. It’s practically perfect in every way. Words by Alice Hoddinott 186 www.eliteonlinemag.com