Dr Schwamp – Tunes, Tall Tales & Tinctures (2020)
Led by the American (via Cuba) singer-songwriter Sean MacGloin, Dr Schwamp is a high-paced, energetic and eclectic mish-mash of percussion, guitars, drums and even a trumpet. Fusing ska, blues, folk and funk, the Doctor and his crew break boundaries with mind-contorting and soul-stirring music. With their reputation for unorthodox melodies interwoven with witty lyricism, the London-based quintet receives rave reviews while building a loyal following. The latest addition to their outstanding discography is the eleven-track album Tunes, Tall Tales & Tinctures.
From the first bar of the funky ‘Condemned To Swing’ to the final beats of ‘MMM’, Tunes, Tall Tales & Tinctures is like stepping into the back alleys of Georgia during the Motown era. Bluegrass mixed with funk, big band, ska, reggae and folk, the Doctor takes you on a frantic musical journey. Fortunately, there are some dips in the well-arranged playlist that allow you to grab a breath of air before pulling you under (or up) once again. For instance, ‘Miss Igination’ is a smoother ballad straight from the Rat Pack; however, the toe-tapping quality of this track won’t offer too much reprieve from the speedy pace of Tunes, Tall Tales & Tinctures.
There are several intriguing features when it comes to Dr Schwamp’s music, but the individuality of each track is what really excites me. A constant throughout the album is the Doctor’s gruff, harsh and rough vocals; however, this is also changeable with each individual track. The transition from funk and blues in ‘One Foot In The Groove’ to the folk-rock twang of ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ is quite breathtaking showcasing the group’s innovativeness and versatility. Yes, each track on Tunes, Tall Tales & Tinctures has an individual identity the singles seem to come together as a cohesive whole. Effortlessly combining all instrumentation ranging from a fiddle, trumpet, guitars, drums, percussion and bagpipes, Dr Schwamp is a sonic representation of global culture all in three-minute songs.
It is easy to become lost in the mass of uplifting sounds on this album; however, there are certain songs that stand out above the rest – at least for me, that is. In addition to the haunting, gritty creepiness of MacGloin’s robust vocals taking me to the backstreets of Louisiana in a Disney film, it is the gipsy-influenced ‘Come With Me To Heaven’ that captivates me entirely. The fiddle licks at your eardrums and tempts you to stand up and dance wherever you are. It is this incorporation of instruments into a specific style that makes the band so enthralling. For instance, the bagpipes are so elegantly transformed into a hip-hop accompaniment in ‘Whetstone’ or funk style in ‘Kinda Blew’. If you are looking for something elegant, invigorating and enigmatic, then Dr Schwamp is the insatiable way to go.
For more from Dr Schwamp check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
