INTERVIEW: Swindled

Image: Swindled by Adam Kennedy

I’ve caught up with Will (guitar/vocals), Alex (guitar) and Jonny (vocals) -sixty percent of the band Swindled. They’re augmented by Felix (drums) and Thomas (bass), and we’re having a chat about the release of their latest EP What A Nightmare! But it feels like I’ve summoned dark clouds by mentioning politics, generational pressure, the state of music and everything else teenagers deal with these days. This isn’t unprompted, some of the lyrics and emotions at the EP’s heart seem disillusioned, even cynical, and the band agree. It can be difficult, but they’re hugely upbeat about their music and where they are currently.

Jonny gives me the low down on writing the EP’s songs: “The title came first, part of an ongoing sleep theme following Counting Sheep and Leave The Big Light On (their previous EPs). The songs were all conceived as part of an album but split up.” He continues, “I was listening to Velvet Underground’s Sunday Morning a lot,” before adding, “And that nice relaxed feeling wasn’t our experience at all”. This inspired The Hangover, which is their flipped viewpoint of feeling rough or rueful. The duality running through Withdrawal Symptoms “comes from a personification of drugs and love”; its ambiguity, conflating the two, has a lack of specificity that adds to the song’s allure.

Will and Alex discuss exchanging guitar parts on WhatsApp, and how Jonny prefers to write lyrics that fit these melodies by putting pen to paper, rather than living via his phone’s Notes app. Indeed, part of the inspirationfor final track Dear Past Life came from “watching young Victorian lads captured waving on film”, and their wonder at that time -footage now so easily accessed via a smartphone. Just as every life is now lived through similar devices; mundanely and sadly glued to the palm of our hands.

In between the twangy swagger of Cosmic Immigrants, inspiration comes from a lifelong fascination with sci-fi films, especially War of the Worlds, and how due to the state of the Earth, the band would happily board a rocket ship ‘off world’. Each song sounds very different but they gel together cohesively.

That’s where producer Andy Bell comes in, says Alex, “As a valuable sixth member in the studio.” Will adds, “He’s someone who’s objective, who thinks of the song’s sound for record and airplay, not a loud rehearsal room.” It makes sense. All three mention influences like The Beatles, The 1975, Blossoms etc, well known for writing a succinct pop tune or two. It’s obvious how eager the band are to play their next headline show, at Pop Recs on Saturday 25th October. Writing, recording, playing festivals and more shows outside the region has seen the band growing in maturity, despite their youth. They clearly love making and playing music and they feel positive that the North East can break new talent in a big way. Of course they’re keen for Swindled to benefit. Sunderland’s status as Music City, Generator’s endeavours and grass roots venues working hard, despite many challenges, all work in the bands favour; but they also have bags of talent, a fresh, fun attitude and they’ve got a knack for creating melodies that stick with you.

Swindled release their new EP What A Nightmare! on Friday 12th September.