The Sweeps

On their new self-titled release, The Sweeps found themselves employing an unexpected approach to their music due to the sudden passing of their beloved front man, Bob Dain in 2016. Filled with grief, the remaining trio, Santiago Torres, Chris Dye, and Sam Bakken, were left with nearly forty demos that featured Dain’s voice, guitar and spirit. This album honors the last remnants of his music. Together they sorted through countless lost riffs and dusty drum takes; stripped down the demos and rebuilt them into complete songs. After three years of intensive self-recording, the band then approached various friends to contribute to this album. Amongst them were producer Nicholas Popaleo, Mikey Russell, Dan Duszynski, and Sean Foxely, who contributed bass to complete the record. Other featured performers include Nick Enderle, Matt Lemke, Mitch & Erynne Vermeersch, Sam Spencer, Jess Price, Nathan Snydacker, Emily Pfeifer, & Jill Rye. Coming straight from Dain’s fingertips, the lead track “Stranger at Home” is a stark contrast to every song that follows. Several tracks, including the hard-hitting “I Couldn’t Be Him,” use themes of posturing and escapism to draw a shadow over the once vibrant sound created by The Sweeps. On “You Can’t Drown if Your Head’s Above the Water” the pulsing sub and electronic percussion lend to the performance of Mitch Vermeersch, who’s lyrics pull you down with him into the abyss. “I Float, I’m Free” marks the culmination of the record, where Bakken’s takes the lead on vocals to give the listener their footing and moment of exaltation.

Chicago, IL