Album review: Silversun Pickups—Swoon

Silversun Pickups—Swoon

by Scott Firestone IV

Everything old is new again—and that's no less true in the world of music. Indie band The Silversun Pickups came storming out of the gates with their 2006 debut Carnavas. It introduced their trademark sound—a wall of distortion and muddy guitars, bringing to mind '90s rockers The Breeders, My Bloody Valentine, and Smashing Pumpkins.

Their latest album, Swoon, continues to mine the same rich vein of beauty amid the noise. While their sound may be influenced by bands of yesterday, don't dismiss them as mere copycats. Their alt-rock sound manages to sound fresh and retro all at the same time. "Growing Old Is Getting Old" starts quietly, following a strong bass line, while a jangly guitar slowly enters and builds to an in-your-face furious finish. "Catch and Release" adds a string section to the mix. I wish there was a bit more variety in the songs; after a while they start to blur into one "sound." But there are enough unique licks here to keep me happy.

Lyrically it's a mixed bag. Singer-guitarist Brian Aubert's voice sounds airy and dreamlike—a strange combination when married to his crushing guitar, but one that works. Often the turns of phrase and word combinations Aubert utilizes are amazing and creative and poetic—I just wish they actually made some sense. But I listen to Silversun not to hear a story in the songs, but to be taken to another time and another place—namely high school, 1993, listening to the Pumpkins' Siamese Dream.

Song: "Panic Switch"

Topic: Rejection

Theme: The singer is trying to cope with pain and loneliness after a break-up.

Discussion Questions:

• Have you ever broken up with someone? How did you feel afterward? Explain.
• Is romantic rejection harder on you than other kinds of rejection? Why or why not?
• Read aloud Isaiah 40:28-31. Ask: What do these verses tell us about God? Do you believe that about him? Why or why not?
• Do you think God can help lessen the pain of rejection? Explain.
• Is it possible to completely protect yourself from rejection? Explain. Does that mean we should never risk or make ourselves vulnerable? Explain.

Scott Firestone IV is the associate editor for Group Magazine, online editor for youthministry.com, and a huge fan of music and movies.

This review first appeared on ministryandmedia.com. Go there. Take the tour. Sign up.