Sheffield indie rockers SWAN release debut EP inspired by the sounds of Oasis, Joy Division and Kasabian.

By Graeme Smith

As well as taking on the baton from some UK greats, SWAN also cast their eye stateside with their music, drawing influence from the likes of Foo Fighters and Nirvana. The result is irresistible rock that we can’t get enough of here at York Calling.

The Yorkshire band consisting of Joe, Harry, Oliver, Rob and Matt have graced these pages twice before, with singles Soul and The Fall showing us what they’re made of. Both feature on their debut EP, The House Is On Fire, bookending a six track collection that’s full of surprises.

The Fall kicks things off in a dark and swaggering way, bringing some early riffs and a sense of melancholy. Following it is Let It Out which is a pacy, jangly moment that shakes off the moodiness. There is an instant sense of range between the two tracks. Moonlight rounds off the EP’s first half with a hangover anthem with plenty of charisma in its vocals and storytelling in its lyrics.

God Complex is perhaps the EP’s punchiest moments, introducing elements of garage rock to the mix. House On Fire slows things down with a track that pairs a smouldering verse with an explosive chorus. Soul closes the EP in emphatic style with big riffs and atmospheric edge.

UK rock is a genre that will never die and that’s thanks to those who are inspired by its previous generations, and are inspiring those to come. SWAN certainly hold their own, giving us plenty of bite with their debut EP. Yorkshire has paid no small part in keeping the rock flame alight, and SWAN could well be our next famous sons.

The House Is On Fire was recorded at Buffalo Studios in Castleford with producer JB Pilon. It was mastered by Rare Tone Mastering. The EP is out now and you can give it a listen below.