Very rarely in this day and age do you find a label that releases record packages that are as well thought out as the music put together by the bands that feature on them.
When the newest Salford record label on the block ‘Sways Records’ said they’d send me a little something, I really had no idea what they had in mind.
Even staring at it now makes me slightly excited! A simple cardboard box comprising three stunning 7” singles by different bands – The Louche FC, Emperor Zero and Irk The River, all the tracks were recorded in Salfords own Strangeways Studios. Is that all you say? No!
I’ve never smoked in my life but I am now the proud owner of a Louche FC card which is accompanied by a cigarette and a match… In the words of Sways Records “the cigarette will last as long as one side of the record, choose wisely which”.
There’s also an Emperor Zero songbook that’s printed with page upon page of the bands lyrics such as “It starts with a scream and it ends in silence, we come together but we’re still islands”. Irk The River’s contribution is a Manchester Art Gallery postcard with the lyrics “ A relentless / assault of nothing / when men bore / bore themselves for a living” a call to arms from Irk The River if ever there was one…
And Sways Contribution? A cassette… it’s a reminder of years gone by when you used to sit there taping the songs you liked off Radio 1’s single chart to play on your Walkman… But this is no ordinary cassette, the mixtape is back! Swayze’s made his first one to share with all good record lovers featuring songs from the three bands mentioned previously but also bands like Ghost Outfit, Monster Island and more.
What about the three records? They’re all rather thoughtfully supplied with a digital download code (why can’t all vinyls come with these, it can make or break the deal for me, especially as playing records at the radio is not really on the cards)
Emperor Zero – Berlin /Man With Red Eyes
In my view Emperor Zero evoke the true sound of Salford, with punky and thrashy rawness. Their energy emanates from influences like The Fall, Pavement and Gang of Four. This double A – Side shows two different sides of the coin, so pigeonhole them at your peril.
Irk The River – Valette / Mind That Child
The first thing that hits me about these guys, is their play on words regarding the River Irk, clever ploy title wise. But it’s not just style over substance, the music is raw and edgy as we have come to expect from Salford bands. Valette showcases their frenetic brand of indie-punk with its urgent guitarwork, understated bass and demanding vocals.
The Louche FC – Back Bedroom Casualty/ Only In A Dream
The Louche FC are the band with the widest appeal to the general music loving public. They have a shoegazey lo-fi brilliance which overlays an almost 50s pop vibe with the sugary sweetest vocals that ring out on Only In A Dream.
On the merit of packages like this, it clearly pays to stay independent!
Sways Records first few forays into label territory are a credit to them, raw and cutting edge bands that showcase the hotbed of talent in North West England right now but that are showcased using a wealth of knowledge of the current music industry. Offering the format that every band aspires to see their releases on 7’ vinyl as well as a supplied digital download code. To find out more or check out the tunes for yourself here.
Catch Shell on 90.3 WXLV Radio, US on Wednesdays at 12am ET (5am GMT), Saturdays at 8pm (wxlvradio.com) and on Thursdays at 9pm GMT and Sundays at 5pm on 94.4fm Salford City Radio, UK (salfordcityradio)
