Album Reviews

Band: Schwab Album: The Schwab Family System Label: Schwab Music Release Date: March 5th Format: CD

Hmm! Schwab.... Now I heard of these a while back through their single 'DJ's In A Row' back in 2006 I think it was, and was instantly gobsmacked by how good it was. Relatively unknown they were back then - still that way now, but it's not going to be long till they're polluting the airwaves with the good stuff and people will follow with this gobsmacking, like a 'mass' taken over by the Fight Club fellas during the handshake moment...

Press have been pouring hearts over it, because of its electic edge on funk and boogaloo - blending these with rock 'n roll into something akin to maybe Beck. Trust me, once you slip this record on, you won't take it off. National Radio has had its kick, more to follow, Rough Trade gave it a position in their 'best of 2004' compilation, and John Peel played DJ's In A Row on his last ever show. So as you can tell, there's been some high profile buzz goin on!

Intro track 'Little Beats' sets the standard for the album almost instantly. We're pelted into Schwabs sound, mixing hip-hop beats, funky grooves, guitar licks for you to drown in, boogaloo keyboards to get the oldies back in hip condition again and so much more. Really, I'm taken in by this instantly. The vocals from Paddy Austin as well..... damn, it's like hes been take over by James Brown with the energy! Jon Spencer also comes to mind.

There isn't much more to say about Schwab, other than the fact that they're amazing - so many different styles blended into one record, comparisons to Beck and David Holmes are immediate, but yet - they aren't as cool as Schwab. Schwab will make you feel cool. They'll make you LOOK cool. I can't recommend this enough!

Myspace: Schwab