The Swellers-Ups and Downsizing
Fueled by Ramen
September 15, 2009

Upon hearing that The Swellers signed to Fueled by Ramen, a lot of people were talking about them, wondering if their sound was going to change to fit in with their new label. This reminded of the banter that went on after Lifetime reunited and released an album with Decaydance, except I've previously heard of Lifetime. I sat reading "The Org" wondering who these guys were, what the hoopla was all about and how they flew under my radar until now. I was excited to hear them, immediately going to check out some songs, and I wasn't let down. I wasn't blown away, but I was impressed. Then Ups and Downsizing made its way to my ears.

I think having not heard them before became an advantage, as I didn't really have any high expectations for them. I was just looking for a band that would bring me an enjoyable listening experience, which they did; and then some. The Swellers style of catchy pop punk is nearly perfected on here. There are some faster tempo songs, some slower ones, some medium ones, but they are all catchy enough to damn near be illegal. This is what New Found Glory would sound like with a great vocalist. There are catchy (noticing a theme here?) vocal lines that aren't brought down by a nasal swoon (nothing against New Found Glory), and the music is always at a key pace for fan involvement, regardless of the tempo.

This is an album that will get people moving. This is an album that will get people singing. This is an album that will flat out get people with its instant catchiness and songs that were destined to be sung along to. Their recent tour with Paramore should serve as the first step to becoming the next pop punk darlings.

Written by: RF
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