On
Swimming, the
French Kicks trade the shiny electronics of
Two Thousand for guitars and live percussion, but even though this is the most organic the band has sounded since
One Time Bells, the intricate arrangements and production that were
Two Thousand's focal points remain.
Swimming is, well, swimming in lavish sounds, with layers and layers of blissful harmonies and melodies, chiming guitars, and drumming that is subtle but still manages to stand out from its surroundings. Unfortunately, as on
Two Thousand, these beautiful, inviting sonics overwhelm the songs they're attached to. Too often, it's easier to notice the decorations -- like "Carried Away"'s strummy guitars and flute-like keyboards, or the big drum buildup that opens "The Way You Arrive" -- than what they're decorating. Much of
Swimming blurs into an attractive wash that sounds appealing in the moment, but leaves very little lasting impression; tracks like "Atlanta," "New Man" and "Said So What" end up being just too subtle for their own good. However, there are a few more memorable songs here than there were on
Two Thousand. "Abandon" and "Love in the Ruins" bring back a little of the band's early, post-punk worshipping sharpness, giving some edge and shape to
Swimming's softness; "With the Fishes"' shimmying beat and shimmering guitars feel like a dream pop twist on '50s rock, and "All Our Weekends," a bittersweet look at a samey relationship, actually uses the album's repetitive sounds to its advantage. However, by the time "This Could Go Wrong" ends
Swimming even more gently than it started, it feels like you've remembered these pretty songs instead of actually hearing them. It's almost impossible to dislike
Swimming's pastel beauty, but it's nearly as difficult to work up much enthusiasm about it. ~ Heather Phares