Swell to Great
LP + CD | 2016 + 2017
‘Swell to Great’ is our debut record, first released through Song, by Toad Records in September 2016.
It was played on analogue synths, cello, double bass, drums, guitars, a wine-glass orchestra and, at the creaking centre of things, a Victorian pedal harmonium.
Swell to Great was recorded at Pete’s Pumpkinfield studio in rural Perthshire.
It was named the 19th best LP of 2016 by MOJO Magazine, and one of the 12 best LPs of 2016 by The Herald.
Swell to Great was reissued on transparent vinyl and CD by Fire Records in October 2017.
“there is a calmness in its melancholy, a beauty in its blues. These are songs that see the mystical beyond the material, abstracted folk ballads awash in memory.”
★★★★ MOJO
“a gorgeous sound which lands somewhere between Belle & Sebastian at their most icily wistful, and Fairport Convention’s autumnal folk-rock.”
“a gorgeous collection of elemental psalms with a wheezing old harmonium at their heart. Quietly musing on memory, nature, shades of blue and bodies of water, Swell to Great is gorgeous, warm and melancholic.”
“this is a treasure trove of songs that embrace, and transcend, place and time.”
“I heard Pete Harvey, Scotland’s go to cellist and arranger, describe his new project as ‘hanging all sorts of things on the keys of an old harmonium.’ Not half, for the Victorian pedals and bellows fairly creak and wheeze to create the atmosphere of a fully-loaded musical ship.”
King Creosote ‘Have you Heard’ in Q Magazine
“an impressionistic mix of sea shanty post-rock and chamber pop. Like Rachel’s with vocals, it’s a gentle delight.”
Swell to Great
After 18 months of recording, mixing, and artworking, we’re finally able to send Swell to Great off out into the world. You can get hold of it on vinyl, CD and download through Song, by Toad Records and at Monorail and Love Music in Glasgow, and VoxBox and Coda in Edinburgh.
(its on Amazon and iTunes too, if that’s easier)
The vinyl and CD both have extensive artwork designed by the band, and a front cover painting by Mary Morrison. See for yourself with some artwork pics here.
Here’s what some kind people have said about it:
“There is a calmness in its melancholy, a beauty in its blues. These are songs that see the mystical beyond the material, abstracted folk ballads awash in memory.” ★★★★ – MOJO
“a treasure trove of songs that embrace, and transcend, place and time.” ★★★★ – The List
“an understated joy building into a magical climax of quirky brilliance… we predict it will be a contender for next year’s Scottish Album of the Year Award” – The Scotsman
We shot an LP trailer on shonky Super 8 in our rehearsal warehouse in Leith and at Port Eliot festival in Cornwall, in which Emily explains the background and ideas behind the record. It was premiered by Caught by the River here.
We did an interview with GoldFlakePaint recently, who have published it along with a full stream of ‘Swell to Great’. You can listen to / read that here.
Our (sold oot!) LP launch was on Saturday night in Edinburgh; we had a good time, and there’s a set of photographs from it up on photographer Andy Caitlin’s website.
We’ve played a bunch of shows this year, and it’s getting more fun / loud / together all the time… After a handful more shows in 2016, we’re off out to play in some beautiful venues with King Creosote in January 2017. Dates and ticket links below.
2016
Sept 16th, Good Life Experience Festival, Caught by the River Stage, Flintshire, Wales (Tickets)
Oct 7th, Eastern Promise, Platform, Glasgow (Tickets)
2017
Jan 20th (supporting King Creosote), Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool (Tickets)
Jan 21st (supporting King Creosote), Town Hall, Birmingham (Tickets)
Jan 22nd (supporting King Creosote), The Barbican, London (Tickets)
Jan 23rd (supporting King Creosote), Colston Hall, Bristol (Tickets)
Jan 24th (supporting King Creosote), Tramshed, Cardiff (Tickets)
Jan 25th (supporting King Creosote), Sage, Gateshead (Tickets)
Right, I think that’s it for now. Lots more in the pipeline. You can keep up to date through our twittering and facebooking, if you like.
Love, Modern Studies xx