SWIM DEEP play a show for NME Awards 2016 at The Dome Tufnell Park in London.

Everyone loves a little bit of Swim Deep, don’t they? I know, I know it’s all about them again. What can I do? They insist on reappearing. Constantly.

Swim Deep played a gig at The Dome Tufnell Park last Wednesday (Feb 24) as a part of NME Awards 2016. Supported by two great bands Sweat and Catholic Action, the band had delivered the longest [as stated by the lead singer himself, Austin Williams] music set so far. Yep, it was quite long but it was exactly what I needed halfway through the week.

And again I must mark – once in a while a band comes along that changes more than just the weather. They’re still this one for me.

While we’re on a change matter, let me tell you what’s new. Besides Ozzy’s new orange hair, obviously.

The Jurassic Park theme is no more but we get Johnny on the trumpet creating a beautiful intro to some good oldies. Swim Deep kick off with Francisco and Honey taken from their first record Where the Heaven Are We (2013) and the audience is lit. Don’t just dream in your sleep it’s just lazy is a perfect preface to a display of Williams’ tambourine skills while he builds up the tempo of Namaste. Swim Deep’s reinvented sound shows across the song and the group is ready to present more from their sophomore album Mothers.

Johnny returns for One Great Song and I Could Change the World and Birmingham five-piece moves smoothly to psychedelic melodies of Imagination and Grand Affection [watch the latest music video here]. Loving keys in these ones! The brilliant Forever Spacemen also gets to be played with a small shifting between Williams and McCarthy. The huge variety of layers, more synths, the acid house inspiration showcase amongst new material.

I’ve seen Swim Deep performing live a couple of times now and I must say they get better and better every time. A strong stage presence, an easiness and self-confidence impact all people in the room. But once again I wonder why they gather such a young audience.. I kind of felt old. And I’m not. I’m really not.

Anyway, let’s move on. Williams cries for anybody out there quite like you, then he finds the one who changes the weather and I suppose we all ask ourselves Do I know or do I think I know? 

Finishing the main set off with the track To My Brother the band leaves unsettled audience just to open the encore with All the brothers and the mothers and the lovers who all sing out! in Laniakea. And yes, everyone sings out.

But of course, we are all waiting for the one. I think King City is the ultimate fan favourite. I even find myself singing back and jumping around the room. Have I mentioned some shirts are off at this point? Including the band.

A trembling floor, a crowd surfing, a little bit of mosh pit are what’s happening during the last song – the eight-and-half minute long banger Fueiho Boogie. This track will definitely make you lose it. If you haven’t already, of course. Completely. 

I must admit that was a fun Wednesday night. Thursday morning was much worse at work. But it’s always worth it, isn’t it?

Oh almost forgot.. Remember when I was saying last time that you should see Swim Deep play live even if only to catch a glimpse of James Balmont’s dancing moves? Yep, nothing’s changed. Still worth it.

Have a look at these sweet snaps from the show!

Photo: Kasia Osowiecka