ALBUM: Swivelman - '369' - GigslutzGigslutz

369 is the debut full-length album from Essex-based duo Swivelman. Carved from the mind of bassist/vocalist Duf M and drummer Ben Woolf; this warped creation is “an exploration into the darker tones of music and life, acknowledging our inherent creationism, and the evolution of humankind’s consciousness in searching for the meaning behind our existence.”

Opening track ‘Dance’ begins this twisted journey with its urgent bass, powerful drums, and twitchy piano (courtesy of Ben Griffin). The line “I have become one, with someone” precedes an intense, swirling breakdown of bass and drums which pushes the track towards its natural end. The heavenly named ‘Garden Of Even’ (which features Johnny Gardner on drums) has a devilish set of riffs and lyrics; and Duf switches between gentle whispers and deep, monotone notes that display his impressive lung capacity.

The dense basslines on ‘Promise’ are accompanied by some ominous, hymn-like vocals. You’ll bow down to the steady drums that eventually lead in to a manic blur of feedback, reverb and electronics. ‘Lesson’ is the “cornerstone” of the record, and there’s plenty to “listen and learn” from on this intense and unpredictable track – right down to the siren-like synth that endlessly rings out at the close.’Lead By Design’ is similar in style (though longer in duration) and is another knockout performance of unpredictable drums and brooding basslines. The savage use of synths towards the close are also particularly memorable.

‘Dander’ is a further fleshy three minutes of Swivelman magic, whilst the uneasy, pulsing warped synths on ‘The Thread’ bleed in to “the calm before the storm” (aka more electrifying basslines) before 369 comes to a whirlwind stop. Hectic, powerful and corrosive; let the sound of Swivelman’s debut serenade you in to post-punk, industrial bliss.

You can stream 369 on Spotify now. Follow Swivelman on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut