SWMRS is a punk rock band from Oakland, CA. The band consists of co-frontmen/guitarists/brothers Cole and Max Becker, along with drummer Joey Armstrong and bassist Seb Mueller. They released their newest album, Berkley’s on Fire on February 15, 2019. The album is their second under the name SWMRS, but their fourth overall. And while I do not know much about music criticism or how to write about it, I know that it is no secret that SWRMS slaps. Here’s how:
The album’s title track, “Berkley’s on Fire” sets a tone true to the punk rock genre through a raucous, jarring sound of heavy guitar riffs that almost gives way to some sort of knee-jerk reaction. SWMRS is known for being politically aware and actively vocal about their views. With lyrics like, “Too many motherfuckers confusing this freedom speech with swastikas,” the song expresses an awareness of, and frustration with, the political/social climate. Similar songs on the album include “Hellboy” and “Lose lose lose.” These songs embody the punk rock genre by being brash, bold, and fast-paced with boisterous guitars and pounding drums.
In addition to these fast-paced, heavy songs, the album contains songs that are aptly best described as soft or wholesome. Songs such as “Bad Allergies,” “IKEA Date,” and “Too Much Coffee” represent the softer, more toned down and subdued side of SWMRS’s punk rock repertoire. Older-Becker-brother Max provides gentle, melodic, and at times almost romantic-dream-pop-like vocals that contrast nicely with younger-Becker-brother Cole’s assertive, eccentric, and at times scream-like (but in a good, punk way) sound. The versatility displayed by SWMRS on this album is impressive, yet each song remains true to a distinct SWMRS sound.
Band member Max Becker describes what SWMRS set out to create with this album. He writes that Berkley’s on Fire aims to be an album with, “A song for every type of person, for every mood, for whatever playlist you want, for different situations. An album that pushed the envelope of what music can be in 2019.” I am not a music critic. Nor am I able to speak of anyone else’s experience with the album aside from my own. But I would argue that because of SWMR’s versatile sound, even those who may not confess to liking punk rock music can find a song on the album that they like and would add to a playlist. I would argue that SWMRS achieved this goal outlined by Max on this album. And I would also argue that my statement still stands: SWMRS slaps.
Now I’ve seen SWMRS perform live before, and it’s really a fun time. Their shows aim to create a safe, inclusive space for people to enjoy music in whatever ways they see fit. Plus, concerts (especially punk rock ones) are the perfect place for one release some stress. If one wants to see SWMRS live in Seattle, they are playing at El Corazon on April 29th, 2019 with The Regrettes and Beach Goons.
Stream Berkley’s on Fire on Spotify: here.