Townsend Records

Silversun Pickups

Swoon

CD £11.99

April 13, 2009

With their striking debut, CARNAVAS, L.A.'s Silversun Pickups were flooded with Smashing Pumpkins comparisons. Far from unfounded, this analogy is only furthered by the alt-rock band's sophomore studio album, SWOON, with its driving beats, searing guitar lines, and fey vocals, most notably on the surging opener, "There's No Secrets This Year." Though slightly less obvious, another fitting reference is England's Placebo, an amped-up group of kindred spirits clearly evoked by the fierce "Panic Switch." While the Pickups are perpetually in danger of being eclipsed by these influences, the sheer force of their sonic attack (see "The Royal We") makes SWOON strangely impressive and undeniably engaging.