Swimteam: Harlem
Most of us are trying to make sense of the many tools the Internet and digital technology has brought to music, wondering how to use web applications and figuring out which website to promote our music. These swift changes we’re experiencing seem to draw our attention to the technology, away from the music. But this isn’t the case with the generation that has always had a personal computer at home; instead, experiencing these changes feel very natural to them,
I was reminded of this when I was listening to Swimteam, a band out of a suburb in Chicago. Having recorded their new album, Harlem, in their bedrooms, and then creating videos that correspond with the songs, Swimteam moves freely in this technological world.
The lo-fi experimental electronic rock that Michael Marais and Aidan Hair created during the month of December, 2009, is reminiscent of Radio Head’s Kid A, Madvillain, and Thom Yorke’s solo album. The songs on Harlem utilize drum loops intelligently, mix in intriguing and at times freakish sounds, blended with guitar riffs that add to the scenery.
Swimteam self-produced their songs, posted tripped-out videos on Vimeo, had their album professionally mastered, and are releasing Harlem on Bandcamp through Whales and Gravy Recordings. Swimteam did all of this at the age of 18.
Listen: Swimteam – Sun
Watch: Swimteam on Vimeo
Grab: Swimteam on Bandcamp
Engage: Swimteam on Myspace
Wichita from S.W. Imteam on Vimeo.