AMG Review of 41

Jack Rabid
All Music Guide

Swell are swell on this third full-length release. They're a moody, eclectic, folky, and esoteric San Francisco foursome, who mine the same vein in every song, utilizing the reedy, calm, vocals, and constantly strummed acoustic of David Freel into mesmerizing results. It's a smooth, quiet ride until a jolting power chord snaps you out of your lull, seemingly out of nowhere. Combine this with soaring, electric slide guitar that offsets the melodies and subtle hooks, as well as Sean Kirkpatrick's creative collage of drum fills and syncopation, rather than straight beats -- a territory Stephen Morris of Joy Division adapted to their rigid sound, mixed with Stewart Copeland's style and hi-hat flourishes. 41 is existential slacker-rock.