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)
Top of the Pops
Swim Deep Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna move you to Beverly Hills for the view
I know life ain't often great for you
I know what its like at the end of the queue
Mother, why you leaning on heaven for?
Just open your door, and I promise we'll make an escape
Oh! Stop leaning on heaven's door
I wanna show you New York City in the snow
I wanna buy you a brand new car that just goes
I know life ain't often great for you
I know what its like at the end of the queue
Mother, why you leaning on heaven for?
Just open your door, and I promise we'll make an escape
Oh! Stop leaning on heaven's door
Just open your heart, and I promise you, I promise we'll make an escape
I wanna be on Top Of The Pops for you
I wanna move you to Beverly Hills for the view
Mother, why you leaning on heaven for?
Just open your door, and I promise we'll make an escape
Oh! Stop leaning on heaven's door
Just open your heart, and I promise you, I promise we'll make an escape
The lyrics of Swim Deep's song "Top of the Pops" convey a strong desire to provide a better life for someone, possibly a mother figure who has overcome adversity. The lyrics express a longing to be on top of the world, metaphorically represented by being on "Top of the Pops," a British music chart television program. This desire is driven by a genuine love and compassion for the person being addressed.
The singer expresses a desire to move this person to Beverly Hills, known for its luxurious lifestyle and breathtaking views. This aspiration signifies the singer's eagerness to offer a life of comfort and beauty to the individual who has faced hardships. The lyrics acknowledge that life has not always been great for this person, hinting at their shared experiences at the end of the queue, presumably representing the struggles they have faced.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's plea for the addressed person, possibly their mother, to stop relying on external forces such as heaven or the divine for support and instead open up their heart. By doing so, they promise to create an escape from their current circumstances together. The mention of heaven's door symbolizes relying on a higher power for help, while the suggestion to open one's own door and heart implies taking control and finding solace within oneself and their relationships.
The singer further expresses their wish to create memorable experiences for the person they deeply care about, such as visiting New York City in the snow or buying them a new car that brings joy. This desire demonstrates their commitment to providing happiness and material comfort as a means to uplift and make the addressed person feel cherished.
In summary, "Top of the Pops" conveys a heartfelt desire to improve the life of someone dear to the singer. It showcases their willingness to go to great lengths and create unforgettable experiences to bring joy and escape from their current circumstances. The lyrics encourage the addressed person, possibly the singer's mother, to let go of external expectations and lean on their intimate bond instead, promising a bright and promising future together.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna be on top of the pops for you
I desire to achieve fame and success in the music industry solely to impress and please you
I wanna move you to Beverly Hills for the view
I want to provide you with a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle in Beverly Hills, solely for the scenic beauty it offers
I know life ain't often great for you
I am aware that life is frequently challenging and difficult for you
I know what its like at the end of the queue
I understand the feeling of being left behind and unnoticed, as if waiting at the very back of the line
Mother, why you leaning on heaven for?
Mother, why do you rely on divine intervention or miracles to solve your problems?
Just open your door, and I promise we'll make an escape
Simply open yourself up emotionally and give me a chance to help you find happiness and relief from your troubles
Stop leaning on heaven's door
Cease depending on divine assistance and instead focus on finding solutions in the present
Just open your heart, and I promise you, I promise we'll make an escape
Simply be vulnerable and receptive to love, and I assure you that together we will find a way to escape from your difficulties
I wanna show you New York City in the snow
I have a strong desire to share the enchanting experience of witnessing New York City covered in snow with you
I wanna buy you a brand new car that just goes
I want to purchase a sleek and powerful car for you that not only looks good but also provides a thrilling driving experience
Mother, why you leaning on heaven for?
Mother, why do you rely on divine intervention or miracles to solve your problems?
Just open your door, and I promise we'll make an escape
Simply open yourself up emotionally and give me a chance to help you find happiness and relief from your troubles
Stop leaning on heaven's door
Cease depending on divine assistance and instead focus on finding solutions in the present
Just open your heart, and I promise you, I promise we'll make an escape
Simply be vulnerable and receptive to love, and I assure you that together we will find a way to escape from your difficulties
I wanna be on Top Of The Pops for you
I desire to achieve fame and success in the music industry solely to impress and please you
I wanna move you to Beverly Hills for the view
I want to provide you with a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle in Beverly Hills, solely for the scenic beauty it offers
Mother, why you leaning on heaven for?
Mother, why do you rely on divine intervention or miracles to solve your problems?
Just open your door, and I promise we'll make an escape
Simply open yourself up emotionally and give me a chance to help you find happiness and relief from your troubles
Stop leaning on heaven's door
Cease depending on divine assistance and instead focus on finding solutions in the present
Just open your heart, and I promise you, I promise we'll make an escape
Simply be vulnerable and receptive to love, and I assure you that together we will find a way to escape from your difficulties
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: James Balmont, Robbie Wood, Dave McCracken, Cavan McCarthy, Austin Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind