Album Review: Emerald Classics by Swim Deep

Dropped from their label and two members down, the Birmingham band have endured a bumpy ride and re-emerged with a boldly inventive album Things haven't exactly gone smoothly for Swim Deep over the last four years. After putting out the mind-meltingly brilliant second album 'Mothers' in 2015, they parted ways with their major label home of Chess Club/RCA and then, months later, saw two of their founding members - drummer Zack Robinson and guitarist Higgy - go their separate ways. Other groups might have seen those events as a sign to call it daym, but bassist Cav McCarthy, singer/guitarist Austin Williams and keyboard player James Balmont dug their heels in, recruited new members Thomas Fiquet and Robbie Wood, and set about rebuilding.

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When the shit hits the fan, you can do one of two things: wallow in the mire or pick yourself up and turn the experience into something positive. 'Emerald Classics', Swim Deep's third, is all about the latter - coming through the hard times to find some sense of victory in the face of adversity. The band went from touring with The 1975 on their last album to signing on the dole and almost imploding, losing two members in the process.

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Swim Deep's wide-eyed indie pop dreaming is in full voice on their blissed-out third album 'Emerald Classics'. It's a record all about community and the power of collective strength and it appears to have galvanised the Birmingham quintet into their best collection of songs yet. Tracks like 'Bruised' and 'World I Share' whoosh and soar, and the whole thing is imbued with an infectious and vulnerable optimism best represented on the stirring sing-along 'To Feel Good'.

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