Off Script: Swanton Bombs

Swanton Bombs head out on tour with Los Campesinos! and Islet this month, adding their brittle racket to a bill that mixes pop, rock and full on noise perfectly. ’ There might be only two of them but with a WWF star name, previous support slots with Turnstile 'heavyweights' Girls and a debut album 'Mumbo Jumbo Murder' ready to go on the 15th February they'll be packing some serious punches. In the past they've admitted they're "too nice for interviews" but we decided to risk it. Come on lads, it isn't that bad...

Scene 1. Brendan and Dominic have a band practice.

"I just came home from Brendan's house" says guitarist and lead vocalist Dominic McGuiness, "We've been working on lots of new material which is always exciting for us". It's no surprise. Ask any young band and they'll always say that writing new material is best. Why? Because otherwise they're left in limbo. If you're not on tour you're just sitting around or worse, working a nine to five. "Yes, we usually spend out time counting down the days till tour or recording" he agrees "We practice as much as possible and if we're not at home scratching our arses then we'll be in a pub"



Scene 2. The Flashback

Flashback a few years and Brendan and Dom were doing pretty much the same. They've played in bands together since meeting when they were 12 years old, ripping countless through genres and influences in the process. "But for now Swanton Bombs is definitely 'it'" he adds " we feel like we've landed on our feet but we still want to perform a Last Waltz sort of thing with shit loads of players and bands. And Scorsese". The result isn't quite as dramatic as that, but not too far off. Swanton Bombs are intent on making a grand statement, mixing pounding off kilter rhythms with a howl that alternates between varying states of 'not bothered' and anger. "The sound developed when we shook of our indie numbers by tactics" he explains, admitting that they had been following in the footsteps of Razorlight's 'Up All Night' and Bloc Party's 'Silent Alarm'. "We might remain loyal to artists like The Beatles but we are still digging through the encylopaedic catalogues of artists like Randy Newman, Nick Cave and Tom Waits".



Scene 3. Dominic and Brendan go on their first tours.

While not quite chilling with Waits, the guys have hung out with some of 2009's most talked about artists. Last year they headed out with San Francisco lads Girls and supported Jay Reatard on what was to be his last UK Tour. "I was just talking to Brendan in the car about the Girls tour dates" he remembers "and I can't think of a happier time for us". Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for the second tour that was chronically under-promoted. "Yes, all the shows were nearly empty" he explains, showing that while there was an outpouring of praise after his death in January, there weren't enough ears at Jay's shows over here. "it was fun but we never got speaking to Jay properly on the tour. I guess it was only a few dates"

Scene 4: Making a video.

Like the acts they adore, Swanton Bombs are easy to spot. They use moody black and white shots, often hanging around empty urban areas reminiscent of certain Manchester men rather than cheeky day glo Essex bosy. While their songs balance heavy accomplished writing with lighter pop riffs, it looks pretty bleak. Surely it isn't that bad just hanging at the pub? "Initially i wanted the video to be colour" he protests "the location was really drab and i thought that the camera would be able to play with that but Ryan Owen showed us it in black and white, and we let him take over. after all, he does know what he's doing" And those grumpy photos? "But as for the art work, i take care of that mostly. I hope it looks cool. I feel like i try too hard sometimes"

Scene 5: "Lads on Tour"

Their next adventure will be with Los Campesinos!, already famed for their 'Lads on Tour' approach to life on the road. Will they be 'getting stuck in?'
"We're always ready" he laughs "Born ready! Jason Bourne ready. Born to do it by Craig David. It should be wicked. Looks like a lot of shows will be 14+ or 16+ so it will be great to play for a younger crowd" It seems like their own youthful adventures have stuck with them, "there simply aren't enough underage shows".

'Lads on Tour' survival guide... Three tips for the road.

1. If you bring socks. Ration them.

2.If you dont bring socks, and buy them on tour.. dont stop buying them. it's a headache trying to ration new socks. throw them away after a day and keep wearing new ones. you'll be up there with the gods.

3.The above tips also apply to underwear.

Catch Swanton Bombs at any of these dates in February and March.

February:
11 Central Station, Wrexham
12 Evol, Liverpool
13 Fibbers, York
15 Tunnels, Aberdeen
16 Dog House, Dundee
17 Bongo, Edinburgh
18 The Venue, Derby
19 The Musician, Leicester
21 The Junction, Cambridge
22 Arts Centre, Norwich
23 Audio, Brighton
24 Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
25 Koko, London
26 Princess Pavillion, Falmouth
27 Thekla, Bristol

March
1 The Rainbow, Birmingham
2 Roadmender, Northampton
3 Plug and Play, Reading
4 Banquet New Slang, Kingston

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