Nice Swan Vinyl & CDs

Review: Following on from last year's immense EP Til The Stream Runs Dry, Brighton based jazz/post-punk bastardisers Opus Kink make good on all of their absurd promise with the much anticipated debut full-length My Eyes, Brother! Sporting a dizzying concoction of caustic riffage, sardonic spoken word and flurries of jazz fusion bedlam whilst retaining an effortless display of controlled cohesion, the absurdist narratives are elevated by unhinged forays into funk-punk no wave noise-rock, and serves as yet another notch on the belt of Nice Swan's expansive and incomparable roster of cutting edge artists. For fans of Black Midi, Black Country, New Road and mercurial nonsense of the highest standard.

Review: Sprints' The Back Catalogue brings together their early work for the first time. The band's 2020 debut single, The Cheek, garnered support from BBC 6music legend Steve Lamacq, DIY and NME while their 2021 'Manifesto' EP, produced by Gilla Band's Daniel Fox, marked a sonic and political evolution, with the title track becoming a fan favorite. This collaboration showcased their raw, politically charged, and authentic sound. The band's vital next step came with 2022's A Modern Job EP, earning critical acclaim and widespread radio and streaming playlisting for lead single 'How Does The Story Go?'. Driven by tough political climates and social and economic uncertainty, Sprints' music resonates with honesty and urgency. The Back Catalogue marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next for Sprints, charting their rise from their formation in 2019 to the present day and taking listeners on an odyssey through the highs and lows of elation and anxiety all delivered at a trademark breakneck speed.

Review: Nice Swan has worked hard to earn a hallmark of quality, and at this point in time the boisterous UK indie label for alternative strains of guitar music is a shoe-in for quality. As such, when they offer up a sampler compilation with a raft of names, you sit up and pay attention with the knowledge you're likely to make some new discoveries. A generous spectrum of artists is represented, from promising Irish upstarts Sprints to Scouse post-punkers Courting, all unique in their approach but bound together by the sheer quality. Hats off to the Nice Swan team, running a tight ship and platforming some excellent new bands.

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'.