Self-described as an orchestral pop-rock band How to Swim have been on the go now for over a decade, with the group forming in Glasgow in 2001.
The group is working on their latest album, Niagarama, the follow-up to 2010’s ‘Retina (More Fun Than a Vat of Love)’.
Their nine members churn out catchy pop records through guitar, strings, brass and keyboards and ‘Bacterium’ is a fine example of this fairly unusual style of music.
How To Swim’s latest single kicks off like the beginning of a ska-track; choppy brass, drums and guitar somehow lead to a Franz Ferdinand styled stomp along with the melancholic lyrics: “I watched her grow into a woman…and then when she was grown I watched her walk away” sung admirably by guitarist Gregor Barclay.
Throw in an intriguing guitar solo, a touch of traditional “ahhs” from the backing vocals, a sprinkling of xylophone and you’ve got the gist of how this intriguing song has been crafted together section by section.
We await Niagarama with hungry ears.
Words: Ben Bookless
