Swervedriver careens into 'Dream' and survives

REVIEW
	Swervedriver 99th Dream Zero Hour Reviewed For the Daily by Philip Son

The band's first label, Creation, dropped them right after the release of its last (and best) album "Ejector Seat Reservation." Needless to say, this low-ball move left Swervedriver in the uncompromising situation of having an album released without any luxury such as promotion or publicity.

Over the past seven years, this Oxford quartet has been able to develop a trademark sound based on heavily layered guitars with oozes of reverb, echo, and distortion.

But each album has shown a marked progression towards a more poppy feel and "99th Dream" is the most soulful, consistent effort. Whereas "Raise" was harder-hitting and "Mezcal Head" more in-your-face, "99th Dream" is smoother and more refined.

Tracks such as "These Times" and the title track provide indelible pop hooks with an instantly hummable chorus. "She Weaves a Tender Trap" shows the marked improvement of vocalist Adam Franklin's voice as he croons his way through.

The seven-minute closer, "Behind the Scenes of the Sounds and the Times," is a post-Ride thriller that recalls the best of the shoegazer scene.

Overall, "99th Dream" is a fine effort that shows how committed and much improved the band truly is. This is a testament to the band members' strengths to be able to endure all the crap they have, and to still be at the top of their game.

02-24-98