SWELTR is a band unafraid of embracing shyness, skillfully placing metaphors where they shouldn’t. A skill in itself, and we took a shot at it. SWELTR‘s fourth release, “Known As”’ has been carefully crafted and hidden away until now. Dark, moody guitar is accompanied by massive kick and snare patterns that may induce tapping of feet, fingers, or a nod of the head. The song instantly sets the scene and tone for Tony’s lyrics: “I think I’d say I saw you coming from a mile away,” conveying the anticipation of an impending struggle. The first verse lightly glosses over an intimate relationship with oneself and mental state. The depth of this unfolds in the chorus, where whatever awaits on the other side of the struggle is “unfound.” A recurring lyric encourages listeners to ponder the song’s mood: “All on good form, we move along.” This line reflects how one might perceive their mental state as unimportant, secondary to daily life—a common sentiment in modern Dublin. Using “good form,” an Irish phrase, anchors it to the location. The repetition emphasises the necessity to “keep face” in this world. The song takes us on a loud, emotive journey, attempting to convey twisted and confusing feelings anyone can experience. A final scream leads the song into its outro, where comfort can be found in the forming chaos.
SWELTR, the Dublin-based DIY rock duo who exploded onto the scene in October 2022 with their debut single “What’s It Gonna Be?”. Crafted from a mosaic of vibrant childhood memories, whacky teenage escapades, and threads of the complexities of adult life, SWELTR has cultivated a distinctive and powerful sound that commands your attention. Taking in the punk scene in Ireland, Noel and Tony are reshaping the genre by reintroducing grunge into the contemporary music landscape. Drawing from a diverse range of influences and personal experiences between them, they skillfully incorporate these elements into their sound, providing a unique musical experience that reconnects audiences with the raw energy of the genre in this new era.
Tony Keyes from Blanchardstown, the creative force behind SWELTR, skillfully shapes the sonic landscape. Utilising an impressive guitar pedal and multi-amp setup, he masterfully simulates bass tones while seamlessly composing intricate guitar melodies into the band’s tunes. His grunge-style vocals, accentuated by a distinct Dublin flair, demand attention, delivering a mix of metaphors and slang that invites listeners into a world of intriguing stories and powerful messages.
Noel Dempsey from Finglas, the rhythmic heartbeat of SWELTR, plays a pivotal role in shaping the sound. Serving as the driving force, he crafts the necessary rhythm that breathes life into the band’s musical expression. Drawing on a self-taught skill, Noel skillfully creates beats that linger in the memory, forming the pulsating heartbeat that propels the essence of their songs with an unmistakable energy and resonance.
As a DIY band still in it’s infancy, SWELTR has achieved significant milestones, including an interview and front-cover feature in the September 2023 issue of Totally Dublin. Looking ahead to 2024, there’s plenty in store for their growing fan base. The release of their debut EP, more captivating gigs, and undisclosed features that are currently under wraps, creating an air of suspense and excitement. Together, Tony and Noel are an unstoppable musical momentum.
Their fourth single, “Known As”, released today, marks a significant chapter in SWELTR‘s evolution, showcasing their commitment to keeping grunge undeniably cool in today’s punk scene.
