SWAMP FREAKS - EP review added 16th February 2010
EP Review: Swamp Freaks EP (self-titled) (2009)
For fans of: Classic Rock... and Southern grit
Swamp Freaks is a UK based Southern classic rock band with nods to grunge, the lighter end of punk and dirty heavy metal. They describe themselves as "four Geordies into music". The simplicity of that phrase undersells them somewhat.
The band features Andrew "Mac" McDermott, best known as the lead singer with Sargant Fury and Threshold, on vocals, Dave Hills on guitar, Gav Gray on bass, and Chris Fish on drums. This self-titled EP is their first release, but they are already in the studio putting together a full-length album. If it sounds like the best parts of this it won't be at all bad.
The EP certainly isn't perfect. The songs are more on the rough and ready side than intricately produced masterpieces, but there's more than enough good stuff in each track to outweigh any negative. Of course it helps having one of the best vocalists there is. Anyone who has heard Threshold's Dead Reckoning or songs like 'Eagle' and 'Maniac' from Sargant Fury will know what Mac is capable of.
The good news is this isn't an ego trip with him in the foreground and the others flailing around at half volume. Swamp Freaks are definitely a unit. There's a cohesion to their sound, and they do have a 'sound' to speak of. Yes, they reference numerous bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Free, Alice In Chains, and so on, but they also add their own dimension to the sound. Songs like 'Feel To Ground' and 'Follow Me' are as good as you'll hear from anyone.
Overall this is a decent disc. I'd like to see more refinement on the full studio album, and more work on bigger, catchier hooks and choruses, but that's all. Swamp Freaks have got a soul to their sound they need to keep as-is. It's refreshing to hear a band these days with such a strong character. Long may it continue.
Check out... All of it...so long as you like your music with scratchy balls and wrinkles.
Track List:
01. Gaitor
02. Monkey In Yer Bed
03. Broken
04. Tiny People
05. Fell To Ground
06. Follow Me
Artist's website(s): Swamp Freaks , MySpace
