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)

***.5

This article appears in March 20 • 2015.

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Michael Toland started writing about music in 1988 on the Gulf Coast, moved to Austin in early 1991, and has inflicted bylines upon the corporeal and digital pages of Pop Culture Press, The Big Takeover, Blurt, Amplifier, Austin.citysearch, the Austin American Statesman, Goldmine, Sleazegrinder, Rock & Roll Globe, High Bias, FHT Music Notes, and, since 2011, The Austin Chronicle.