Swallows
In the Shadow of the Seven Stars
Music Connection
New Music Critique
Originally published on July 26, 2021
The Swallows’ extremely well-produced concept album about a murder is propelled by Jeff Crandall’s gravelly vocal style, which reminds us of Rob Zombie and Tom Waits. “Wrecking Ball” alternates a spooky, breathy vocal passage with one that rocks heavily in the chorus: “One more whack with a wrecking ball!” The much more accessible “Ultraviolet” eases up a bit with a whispered vocal and a catchy groove. The band’s straightforward rocker “Dead and Gone” features some very good blues-infused guitar playing and Crandall’s commanding voice expressing soul-searing regret (“Should have sheltered you, now you’re dead and gone”).
Overall Score: 7.8/10
Production: 9
Lyrics: 7
Music: 7
Vocals: 8
Musicianship: 8