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
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