Swervedriver

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Swervedriver are a 1990s British guitar band initially associated with “shoegazing”, however their heavier rock & roll style also related them to the grunge genre coming from the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Some music writers considered them to be Britain’s answer to this sound. Regardless of labels, the band’s mix of storming and swirling guitar experimentation often crossed into psychedelia, coupled with mystical lyrics that often praised the nihilism of sports cars, racing and the open road. Swervedriver defied any passing fad and are hailed by fans and many music critics as the most underrated rock group of the 90’s.

History

Early years

Their origins sprung from Oxford in 1984 with the formation of a group called Shake Appeal, named after a song from one of their main influences, The Stooges. Consisting of vocalist/guitarists Adam Franklin and Jimmy Hartridge, lead vocalist Graham Franklin (Adam’s brother), bassist Adi Vines, and drummer Paddy Pulzer; Shake Appeal went ahead reproducing the sounds of American garage rock of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The group wrote what would become Swervedriver’s first classic “Son of Mustang Ford,” however after a few years the band began to fall apart when both Graham and Paddy left.

The remaining three members drafted drummer Graham Bonnar, but by this time the group’s sound mutated significantly under the influence of re-invented guitar music by American bands like Dinosaur Jr., and Sonic Youth. So with a new lineup and new sound came a new name, Swervedriver.
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Top Albums

  • Mezcal Head
    Swervedriver Play
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  • Raise
    Swervedriver Play
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  • 99th dream
    Swervedriver Play
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  • Ejector Seat Reservation
    Swervedriver Play
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Top Tracks

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  • LinearQuest

    Faded away in to the gazing' either and you either is or you isn't.

    Wednesday evening
  • jakeiscute88

    Is there any way someone could send me a link or the actual files for the Juggernaut Rides Compilation?? I'm dying for it! It's nowhere to be found.

    last month
  • TangerineStars

    motorhead of shoegaze

    last month
  • alternapop

    Friday in SF!

    last month
  • Unfoldingdrama

    @mamaluigi - That is best comment I have read on last.fm in the 5 years I have been here.

    last month
  • iamthecouch

    seeing 'em thursday night! so stoked.

    March 2012
  • alexlakisov

    lol, guitars http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r_7mkxfUWc

    March 2012
  • GustavoxCore

    Anyone trying to see Swervedriver at the Bowery on 3/31? Selling 1 ticket @ face. Hit me up if interested.

    February 2012
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