Some bands just can't stay away, and The Swine are a perfect example. Having called it a day back in the 90s, the Irish outfit have decided to give things another go. Their new single, Going Home
, marks a long overdue return, with a new album also on the way.
Formed towards the end of the 80s, The Swine, originally known as the Swinging Swine, were never a band to take the easy route. They released their EP, Them Ghosts Do Come
, and spent much of their time touring around Ireland, with the occasional trip across to the UK.
Along the way, they built up a loyal following, but things weren't always running smoothly behind the scenes. By the time the 90s rolled around, internal friction had taken its toll and the band went their separate ways, each member heading off to explore different musical interests.
As it turns out, all it took to get things moving again was a chance meeting at a recent Pixies gig and a few drinks. One thing led to another, the idea of getting the band back together was floated, and here we are with new music from The Swine.
Going Home- Folk, Pop and a Few Surprises
Their comeback single, Going Home
, is a pretty good way to announce they're back. The track opens with acoustic guitar and string accompaniment, easing us in before the first verse gets underway. There's a lovely, laid-back feel to the opening, with the guitars doing much of the heavy lifting.
Once the first verse is out of the way, a beat kicks in and gives the song a welcome lift. Thickly layered acoustic guitars keep everything moving along, while the pop melodies make it easy to get into. It's folk at heart, but there's enough going on to give it a broader appeal.
The vocals are another big part of what makes the track work. They're raw, slightly rough around the edges and sit right up front in the mix. There's no attempt to smooth everything out, and that's part of the charm. It sounds like a band comfortable doing things their own way.
And just when you think you've got the measure of the song, The Swine throw in something a little unexpected. Towards the end, there's a snippet of the Largo movement from Antonín Dvořák's New World Symphony
. It's an unusual addition, but somehow it fits, giving the track a nice little twist before it finishes.
Going Home
is just the beginning of this latest chapter for The Swine. Their forthcoming album, Somewhere in the Nowhere
, is due for release in early 2027, and it'll be interesting to hear what else they've been working on since deciding to get the band back together.
After such a long time apart, you'd forgive them for simply wanting to revisit the old days. But Going Home
suggests they're more interested in making new music than living off past memories. And with an album on the horizon, there's plenty more to look forward to.
Going Home
is a welcome return from The Swine, mixing folk influences, catchy pop melodies and a few unexpected touches along the way. The layered acoustic guitars, rough-edged vocals and upbeat rhythm all come together nicely. It's a strong first step back for a band that's been away far too long.
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