It didn't take long for Silversun Pickups to become a hit with listeners anywhere. Their debut album, Carnavas, spawned two top-ten singles and their 2009 release, Swoon has been one of the most anticipated albums of this year for good reasons. Their sound can be easily compared to alternative rock bands of the 90s such as The Smashing Pumpkins, but without sounding too much like a complete rip-off of them. What the Silversun Pickups do is explore those sounds from the early-90s and apply it in a manor that would fit in today's alternative music, and they continue to do so with Swoon.
Singer/guitarist Brian Aubert has said in a recent interview that instead of a mid-tempo straightforward sound, this album will have songs that are very quiet and delicate while others "are just fucking loud." The heavily distorted guitar sounds are a driving force for the band's sound and it is prominent on songs like "Panic Switch" and "The Royal We." The latter having a nice balance between softer and heavy parts with the strings in the verses. "Panic Switch" also further explores the band's pop sensibilities. Despite it being one of the more aggressive songs on the album, it focuses more on hooks and melody rather than building and atmosphere. "Sort Of" also puts heavy emphasis on hooks with its catchy bass line and "Substitution" will draw you in with its catchy modern rock sound. The opener "There's No Secrets This Year" also does this but it is a much softer track.
The softer songs on Swoon are just as enjoyable but they aren't instant loves like a lot of Silversun Pickups songs are. Songs like "Draining" utilize a sixteen piece orchestra and a slower-tempo to create a beautiful atmosphere but it takes a few listens to really appreciate it. The Silversun Pickups seem to be aiming for a more earnest and long-lasting sound and they hit their target dead on with songs like "Catch and Release." The song structures are a bit strange and they aren't the same as the fun songs that were on Carnavas, but that's the great thing about Swoon. They don't drift too fan from their core sound but they create an album that's not a direct copy of their debut. Swoon is also a very accessible album, which is another thing that's great about Silversun Pickups. Their albums are very easy to get into and this one is no different.
What really makes Swoon a great album is how it's full of enthusiasm and energy. The band decided to take a "more mature" approach to their second album, but it still sounds very confident and they avoid a sophomore slump completely. The Silversun Pickups may see themselves as one of the top bands of today very soon.
