Swervedriver
I Wasn't Born to Lose You (Cobraside)
Reviewed by Michael Toland, Fri., March 20, 2015
Swervedriver
I Wasn't Born to Lose You (Cobraside)Swervedriver divided its Nineties career in half, with two LPs of roaring, overwhelming shoegaze, and two of kinder, gentler guitar pop. For its comeback, the Oxford, UK, outfit serves both masters. I Wasn't Born to Lose You, the group's first album in 17 years, starts atop the mid-tempo jangle of "Autodidact," holding true to the form on "English Subtitles" and "Setting Sun." Two-thirds through the LP, muscles flex as "Red Queen Arms Race" and "Deep Wound" rumble into amp abuse while keeping the melodies genteel. "Lone Star" slows the tempo but cranks the volume for as close to trad dream-pop as Swervedriver gets. The seemingly gentle "I Wonder?" then drowns in feedback and distortion. As always, the contrast between Adam Franklin's smooth pipes and his and Jimmy Hartridge's strident six-strings provides the sonic setting, enabling Swervedriver to put the brawn back in beauty. (Fri., 12mid, Red 7)
