Glasgow-based pop band How to Swim end a four-year wait for a full LP with latest offering Niagarama.
The six-piece, who comprise of members of The Second Hand Marching Band, The Martial Arts and the now obsolete Mother and the Addicts, are led by BAFTA-winning writer, singer Gregor Barclay.
Barclay’s group previously released Retina (or More Fun Than a Vat of Love) in 2010 followed by the festive EP Sleigh Tracks in 2012 and then six-track Midnight Steak in 2013.
Niagarama is a wonderful reflection of the chamber-pop group’s ability to blend various genres, including laid-back pop, heavy rock and disco to create a distinctive sound that is always rubber-stamped with brass backing.
The 11 track album includes a number of stand-out songs; ‘Small Parts Moving’ is a catchy sing-along pop stomper that epitomises HTS’s big-band undertone while tracks like ‘Bacterium’ are clearly influenced by Northern Ireland’s “Terrovision” rock / brass fusion with traditional backing singers.
Niagarama isn’t always what you expect, with the listener being hit with a number of musical surprises, ‘Too Old For A Crush To Be Endearing’ dramatically changes from a cheery pop tune to a jarring heavy rock feel before returning to its “i’m too old” chant.
Thankfully HTS don’t take themselves too seriously and this comes through in some amusing lyrics.
“I still look 19 when I’ve had a shave” highlights the album’s “end of youth” theme in ‘It Doesn’t Have To Be You’ and ‘I Need A War’, the song lists “wants” with humorous reasons as to why; “I need a job that tones my muscles”.
Listeners will be hard-pressed not to enjoy ‘Long Division’, a 70’s disco groove with some excellent flute and classic guitar wah-wah thrown in for good measure.
Apart from ‘Animals’, which doesn’t capture you like the rest of the album, Niagarama could be described as a bit of a concept album but don’t let that put you off one of Scotland’s most original and promising bands.
Words: Ben Bookless
