Nice Swan Vinyl & CDs

Review: Graham Massey and Nice Swan Records came together by chance at Glastonbury's legendary Block 9 in 2022. It was that meeting which lead to this coming together of Malady and rave legends 808 State. Round The Bend is indie-dance with big guitars, yearning male vocals and stepping almost drum &bass style rhythm. It then gets reworked by the mask wearing acid house outfit. First they layer in the 303s, speed up the drums and making it into a crashing, powerful workout for electrified dance floors. There is also an instrumental and a bass lead Malady remix.

Review: Not just a clever name, then, this companion piece to the equally aptly-titled Nice Swan Introduces Volume 1 gives an overview of highlights from the exalted UK independent record label, based on releases between since spring 2022. Suffice to say, there have been many notable additions to the back catalogue in that time and the tracks have come as broad as they have thick and fast. As this incredibly varied collection proves, from the surreal antique balladry of Avice Caro ('End of the Day'), to the noise metal of 'Gmaps' by Cowboyy. Attempting to pick particular must hears isn't easy, or logical, then. But let's just say the raw garage rock 'n' roll twang of Shady Baby's 'Come to Life' and Splint's riff-happy '145' are definitely up there. As is the psychedelic-hued indie of Saloon Dion ('Hey Hey') and the Prima Queen's dreamy 'Chew My Cheeks'.