The band began to record in Brussels in the last few months of 2012 of what would soon be their debut album. During their career, they have released five singles which have received critical acclaim. They released their debut album Where the Heaven Are We on August 5, 2013. It was originally meant to be on 29 July, but it was moved to a later date for unknown reasons.
Their music has been described as "Beach grunge". the band often get mentioned in the same sentence as fellow Birmingham bands Peace and Troumaca who also make slacker beach rock.
Swim Deep formed in 2010 with Austin Williams, Tom 'Higgy' Higgins and Wolfgang J Harte. The band went through multiple drummers until they eventually recruited Austin's best friend Zachary Robinson on drums who, at the time, was playing in a band called Cajole Cajole. On the subject, Austin said, “We thought it was a long shot but we’d just lost another drummer so we asked Zach if he wanted to join our band and he said yeah. That was one of the best things that happened, to be honest.” After a few months, Harte announced that he was leaving the band and the band played as a three piece until they recruited Cavan McCarthy, the merchandise seller from fellow Birmingham band, Peace. The band put some demos up on Soundcloud, "Isla Vista" and "Santa Maria", in 2011.
In 2012, Swim Deep signed with Chess Club and released their debut single, "King City", in May 2012. After a UK tour with Spector in November/December 2012, the band went to Brussels to record their debut album with producer Charlie Hugall. They released their second single, "Honey", in November which got them well critical acclaim and is usually associated with the band. NME magazine said that "the best bits of the Birmingham mob’s latest cut have the pull of a star-spangled whirlpool that’ll suck you back into the late ’80s."
2010-2012: Formation and record deal
They have played shows with Splashh, Spector, Citizens! and the Mystery Jets. The band also accompanied Two Door Cinema Club on their February 2013 UK tour, alongside Bastille. In February 2013, a video was released for their next single "The Sea". The single was released the month after on 7" vinyl and download, backed with a cover of "Down by the Seaside". In May 2013 they released their fourth single "She Changes the Weather", along with an EP of the same name.
2013-2014: Where the Heaven Are We
In early May, Swim Deep put the pre-order links up on their official store. Where the Heaven Are We is due to be released in August, 2013, on 12" vinyl, CD and digital download. Limited edition signed vinyl are also to be released featuring a 7" of two early demos. A Japan only EP was released in May titled Sun on My Back made up of early demos, B-sides and "King City". In June, the band released a new video for the re-release of "King City". The single is due for release in July. In July 2013 it was revealed that the deluxe edition of Where the Heaven Are We would feature a bonus track "Crush".
2014-2017: Mothers
Following tours throughout 2013 to support their debut album, the band began recording their second album in London in September 2014. In December, they returned to Brussels to continue their progress. They finished recording in January 2015. They released "To My Brother", the first single from the second record, in February. "To My Brother" was noted by critics for its marked change in direction, with many picking up on the unexpected influence of acid house music. Speaking to DIY Magazine, Austin addressed the band's dramatic new direction: "I feel like we’re all shaving our heads and going to war with this record." The second single from the album, "One Great Song and I Could Change the World", was released in April 2015.
In June 2015, the band announced Mothers, their sophomore album, would be released 19 September. The album release was later delayed until 2 October. Mothers, heavily influenced by acid house and techno, received positive reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 79. NME's Rhian Daly described "Namaste" as "a great big bolt of pop that’s impossible to ignore".DIY Magazine's Stephen Ackroyd said that "Fueiho Boogie" "explodes time and time again into increasingly more ridiculous krautrock techno extravaganzas." In December 2015, Swim Deep toured North America with The 1975.
2018-: Untitled third album
Swim Deep confirmed they were recording their third album in July 2018. The band confirmed the departures of long-serving members Zachary Robinson and Tom Higgins in a statement. Captioning a photograph of a new-look Swim Deep on the beach, they said: “We’re off to a studio by the sea to finally finish the album we’ve been dreaming of our whole lives and we’re so ready to share it with you.”
Members:
Austin "Ozzy" Williams - vocals, guitar, keys, percussion (2010–present)
Cavan "Cav" McCarthy - bass guitar, backing vocals (2012–present)
James Balmont - keys, percussion, guitar, backing vocals (2013–present)
Robbie Wood - guitar, backing vocals (2017-present)
Past members:
James "Wolfgang" Harte - bass guitar, backing vocals (2010-2012)
Johnny Aries - live keys and live percussion (2013)
Tom "Higgy Pop" Higgins - guitar, backing vocals (2010–2018)
Zachary "Zach" Robinson - drums, percussion, backing vocals (2011–2018)
0121 Desire
Swim Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dark green lights in the emerald tonight, oh I'm coming home
There's boys in the back drinking whisky and craic, with no place to go
You wouldn't wanna leave here, you wouldn't wanna stay
There's bars full of fever and pain
But it's your home, that keeps your heart in the race
In the blue, where the sky is grey and the heavens inside
The sun never sets the same as those summer days
We were moving with no fear, and the hope of a fox on a motorway
You wouldn't wanna leave here, you wouldn't wanna stay
There's heart in the darkest place
And I've got friends that would die for my name
In the blue, where the sky is grey and the heavens inside
We were kids only asking why
In the blue, where the sky is grey and the heavens inside
We were kids only asking why
I'm alive
I'm alive
I'm alive
I'm alive
0121 Desire
0121 Desire
0121 Desire
0121 Desire
In the blue, where the sky is grey and the heavens inside
We were kids only asking why
In the blue, where the sky is grey and the heavens inside
We were kids only asking why
"0121 Desire" by Swim Deep is a song that captures the feeling of longing and nostalgia for one's hometown and the unique experiences and connections that come with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a neighborhood or community that may not be glamorous, but holds a special place in the hearts of those who call it home.
The opening lines, "Dark green lights in the emerald tonight, oh I'm coming home," suggest a sense of anticipation and excitement as the singer returns to their familiar surroundings. The mention of "boys in the back drinking whisky and craic, with no place to go" implies a group of friends or locals who spend their time socializing in a place with limited opportunities. Despite the lack of prospects, there is a strong sense of attachment to this place - "it's your home, that keeps your heart in the race."
The lyrics further highlight the duality of this environment - it may be filled with "fever and pain" but also moments of joy and camaraderie. The line "There's heart in the darkest place, and I've got friends that would die for my name" speaks to the deep bonds formed within this community, where loyalty and support prevail even in challenging circumstances.
The repeated mention of the color blue and grey sky throughout the song reinforces the atmosphere of nostalgia and reflection. It represents a time in the past when the singer and their friends were "kids only asking why." This suggests a carefree innocence and curiosity that has since been lost as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.
The repetition of "I'm alive" in the final lines serves as an affirmation of the singer's appreciation for their experiences and connections in this hometown, as well as a celebration of life itself. It encapsulates the emotional depth and sentimentality underlying the lyrics, reminding us of the power of our roots and the importance of cherishing the memories and relationships that shape us.
In summary, "0121 Desire" is a heartfelt ode to one's hometown, capturing the powerful mix of longing, nostalgia, and fondness for the unique experiences and connections that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Dark green lights in the emerald tonight, oh I'm coming home
The vibrant and lively atmosphere of the night is welcoming me back to my hometown
There's boys in the back drinking whisky and craic, with no place to go
There are young men in the background enjoying their time and having fun, without any specific destination in mind
You wouldn't wanna leave here, you wouldn't wanna stay
Once you're here, you wouldn't want to leave, but staying might not be ideal either
There's bars full of fever and pain
The bars are filled with intense emotions and suffering
But it's your home, that keeps your heart in the race
However, it's the familiarity and sense of belonging to this place that motivates you to keep going
The sun never sets the same as those summer days
The passing of time and the changing seasons bring about different experiences and perspectives
We were moving with no fear, and the hope of a fox on a motorway
We were living our lives boldly and fearlessly, with a sense of optimism and possibility
There's heart in the darkest place
Even in the most difficult and challenging situations, there is still hope and love
And I've got friends that would die for my name
I have friends who are so loyal and committed that they are willing to sacrifice anything for me
I'm alive
I'm fully present and engaged in life
0121 Desire
A reference to a specific area code (0121) that represents the desire and passion within
In the blue, where the sky is grey and the heavens inside
Within a melancholic and introspective state, where the external world seems dull and the emotional depths come alive
We were kids only asking why
During our youth, we were constantly curious and questioning the world around us
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Robbie Wood, Dave McCracken, James Balmont, Austin Williams, Cavan McCarthy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind