SWiiMS – Let You Down (2020)
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, SWiiMS is a group that nearly did not come to be. After a few unsuccessful attempts to get the project going, the fourpiece found their way when guitarist Colin Thompson and drummer Ken Humes came upon singer and guitarist Mai Diaz Langou. Shortly after, bassist Cian O’ Ruanaidh joined to form an elegant and melodic quartet. Blending elements of Britpop, shoegaze and pop, SWiiMS have created a harmonious, upbeat and easy to listen to brand of dream-pop. Incorporating their own musical influences and preferences, SWiiMs is both contemporary with a whiff of 1980s synth-pop nostalgia.
A follow-up to their well-received debut single ‘Fill Me Up’ – read our review here – ‘Let You Down’ is a graceful movement from synth-laden verses to guitar-led choruses filled with delicate vocals. Using simple arrangements, the band demonstrates their ability to create a dreamy ambience in the chorus, but an edgier sound in the interspersed choruses. A clear indication of SWiiMS not being defined by a single style.
Then we come to the vocals…
Throughout ‘Let You Down’, frontwoman Lai Diaz Langou exhibits passion, elegance and gentility throughout the just over three-minute track. Delicate but prominent, the vocals harmonise well with synths, guitar and drums.
A poetic and graceful track, ‘Let You Down’ is a stylish, classy with a distinctive SWiiMS sound. The title may be ‘Let You Down’, but these four artists (for the track is art) have definitely not let me down.
To let you know, SWiiMS recently released their debut EP Through Waves featuring ‘Let It Down’ and ‘Fill My Up’. For more on the band, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
