When musicians opt to produce their own work, often the results are either bulky and self-indulgent or sparse and trimmed down to its essential elements. The French Kicks opted for the latter with their 2008 LP Swimming. The New York-based quartet has honed its sound in from the frenzy of punk, instead opting for more melody and subtlety.
Older fans of the French Kicks might be disappointed by the band’s departure, but Swimming holds its ground as a strong record for any group. The intricate guitar work tends to set the mood throughout the album, often creating a somewhat bleak but beautiful soundscape reminiscent of Editors or fellow New York rockers Interpol. Unlike those peers, the French Kicks show more flexibility in their material even in the course of one album. While guitarist Josh Wise’s style remains consistent from song to song, his atmospheric playing helps hold the record together as a whole. The threads that unite the songs are strong, but their subtle differences are an accomplishment on an album that dares to be soft-spoken.
“Carried Away” is a sunny tune that experiments with a Beach Boys sound, while the strange instrumentation of “New Man” recalls an early Radiohead. The tender air of “Love in the Ruins” is enhanced by mandolin, making the song a hidden gem on an album with such seemingly effortless arrangements. One of the album’s most charming tracks, “With the Fishes,” uses slight vocal distortion to sound like the old, fuzzier recordings of bands like the Beatles.
In these days of guest appearances and digital sounds, Swimming is a charming return to essential songwriting. Some listeners may not see the immediate appeal of the album because the songs lack elaborate solos and catchy choruses, but the French Kicks have pieced together an album that holds together as a sweeping movement rather than just a collection of songs.
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Track Names
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Abadon
Over the World
Carried Away
New Man
Said so What
Atlanta
Love in The Ruins
With The Fishes
The Way You Arrive
All Our Weekends
Sex Tourist
This Could Go Wrong
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Artist: Album
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French Kicks: Swimming
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More Information
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http://www.frenchkicks.com
http://www.vagrant.com
