A NoHo Arts music review of Swansgate’s “Becoming Someone” album release.
Psychedelic pop band Swansgate’s “Becoming Someone” is a gorgeous romp through writer/producer Stu Draughn’s and his compatriots’ musical history and experience.
Each track has echos of so many different influences, jazz, psychedelic, rock, even R&B. There’s a lovely through line of nuanced perspective, richly drawn portraits of people and places, and a deep collective history.
There’s so much going on. So many layers of synth and drums and fascinating spirals of sound. Yet, it doesn’t seem over crowded. There’s a sculptural quality to the sound and plenty of space to really appreciate every level of musical story.
I love this album. I love the beautiful motifs and the references and the unexpected turns to guitar and horns and funky little riffs of electronica. It’s Giorgio Moroder meets Erasure meets Radio Head meets Kanye.
Truly cinematic, Swansgate’s “Becoming Someone” is fun and hopeful and beautifully balanced and executed.
Really, I could listen to this all day…and I probably will!
Stream the album’s lead single “Island of Lies” on Spotify>>
Musician/Instruments:
Live Set:
Stu Draughn – Vocals, keyboards
Michael McKinney – Guitar, keyboards
Gabe McKinney – Bass
Mike Kaloudis – Drums
Album Notes:
Stu Draughn – vocals, keyboards, piano, guitars, bass, drum programming, samples, MIDI programming
Michael McKinney – Drums (tracks 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12)
Gabe McKinney – Bass (track 12)
Producer Name(s): Stu Draughn
Websites:
Official Website: https://www.swansgatemusic.com/
Artist Contact: michaelmcknny@gmail.com
[…] NoHo Arts Music Review: "Truly cinematic, Swansgate's “Becoming Someone” is fun and hopeful and beautifully balanced and executed."… […]