Swim Deep - “Sail Away, Say Goodbye”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Easy Life, Passion Pit, Chromeo

Birmingham, UK’s Swim Deep released their third full-length Emerald Classics in 2019, an album that stretches the band beyond their catchy, indie pop sound without losing sight of the hooky songwriting the band has honed since their 2013 debut Where the Heaven Are We. While that record was more of a bedroom synth-pop sound, Emerald Classics has Swim Deep sounding bright and out-front. After fascinating, British hip hop infused opener “To Feel Good”, Swim Deep move from twee synth grooves (“0121 Desire”, “Sail Away, Say Goodbye”) to chanting “Father I Pray” to soul-jazz rock builder “Never Stop Pinching Myself”. This range allows Swim Deep to avoid incessant, shiny pop from front to back, instead pacing to those moments that still act as peaks throughout Emerald Classics. Regardless of their multi-genre paths on this latest release, Swim Deep sound consistently smooth and full, mature songwriters moving confidently into this next phase of their career. (Kevin McStravick)