Matt Dowling did time in a bunch of DMV bands, most notably in The Effects with Devin Ocampo (Beauty Pill). His new project is called Swoll and the music is a bit more expansive than one might expect. Still, there's a familiar punch here that should make this pleasing to fans of any of the bassist's past projects around D.C.
Avoid Attach favors tracks with a heavy rhythmic hook. Numbers like "Scar" roar like peak Jawbox, while others like "Do You Know What's Changed" are a bit more complex. There's heft here, but also a lot of nuance. With Dowling's vocals curling around the bass and synths, a listener is sort of pulled in it. It's a wonderful track, and there are many here of a similar style. Dowling shifts between heavier numbers ("Dream"), and more measured ones ("Borrowing Air"). He does this with ease, with the supple hooks of the tracks being a constant throughout the entire record.
Swoll combine elements of New Wave and progressive music with post-punk. More than a portion of Avoid Attach made me think of Eighties-era King Crimson. And that's high praise indeed. Matt Dowling has crafted something smart here, and yet he's retained a lot of emotion in these heavy grooves. Highly recommended.
Avoid Attach by Swoll is out this week. More details on Swoll via the official website.
[Photo: Willy]