The Philly-based power punk band Swearin’ is one of the groups that was born after the break-up of P.S. Eliot, a much-loved indie rock band from twin sisters Katie and Allison Crutchfield. While the Crutchfields have gone their separate ways — Katie with her solo project Waxahatchee, and Alison with the noisier Swearin’ — both share an honest lyrical sentiment with songs that reflect on restlessness and crumbling relationships.
Swearin’ plays rebelliously fast and fuzzy songs meant to be cranked up loud, but with smart lyrics about youthful detachment and personal troubles that should be heard. But where, the four-piece’s first self-titled record felt shifted towards Crutchfield’s point of view — especially on songs like “Kenosha” or “Just” — the songs on the its just-released followup, Surfing Strange, redistribute the voices more evenly between Crutchfield and Kyle Gilbride — and even bassist Keith Spencer on “Melonoma.”
In songs like the opening basher “Dust In The Gold Sack,” Crutchfield takes lead with a softer, impossibly melodic tone above the squalling feedback. Yet the very next song, “Watered Down,” it’s Gilbride’s shout front and center. Ultimately, Surfing Strange is another fine collection of honest and cathartic songs that shows Swearin’ musical and lyrical progress.
