Wild Swim
Tempered by heartache and defiance comes the debut single from Oxford’s Wild Swim. Swarming with expansive guitars, haunting vocals and delicate keys, ‘Echo’ touches on anguish and mythology.
Out on Believe Recordings on Monday 26th November, and produced by the legendary Steve Osborne (New Order, Suede), it’s an introduction to the five-piece who have drawn early comparisons to the likes of Tears For Fears and fellow Oxfordians Foals.
Within its minimalist electronics and unconvential structure, ‘Echo’ is also a nod in the direction of Kid A-era Radiohead and The xx.
Its gorgeous shifting textures and immersive soundscapes are offset by singer Richard Sansom’s remarkable, idiosyncratic baritone, while the B-side is the melancholic, self-produced ‘Bright Eyes’ whose experimental electronica calls to mind the likes of James Blake and Arthur Russell.
The package also includes the ‘Narcissistic’ remix by Cubiq, the electronic side project of band members Jamie Jay and Carlos Posada.
Still in their late teens, Wild Swim met at school, forming at the age of just 13. Fast-forward five years, and they are one of BBC Introducing in Oxford’s most hotly tipped bands. Richard is currently training to be a tailor on Saville Row while the others are all at university.
Live, the band are a must-see. Sansom cuts a charismatic figure whose voice mesmerises as the songs shape-shift unpredictably, offset by the electro-heavy sound that is, at times, almost operatic.
You can catch Wild Swim at the following dates:
18th October - SWN festival @ (sup Django Django and Egyptian Hip Hop)
20th October - Oxford Gathering @ O2 Academy Oxford (supporting Spector)
26th October - headline show @ Leeds Cockpit
30th October - headline show @ The Buffalo Bar, London