Swerve
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Swerve

Los Angeles, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | SELF

Los Angeles, California, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2015
Band Alternative Indie

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"Live Review: Swerve at Chinatown Summer Nights"

Material: Swerve's melodic pop-rock songs reference decades of rock & roll history. Whereas the second song they performed during their set at L.A.’s Chinatown Summer Nights festival, “Everything (Hey Girl),” opens with a heavy, minor key guitar riff that would sound at home on a ’90s-era Weezer album, sixth song “Dumb Romeo” features country and psychedelic moments that recall the era of rock when the Rolling Stones topped the Billboard charts. At times, this can cause them to sound unfocused, but their disparate influences are grounded by an easy-going California rocker vibe.

Musicianship: Overall, the band’s focus is on tightly-written pop songs rather than flashy musicianship. Both Mahdesian and second guitarist Brandon Duncan took a fair number of solos throughout their set, which always served a melodic purpose rather than to show off either player’s skill with the guitar. Most importantly, Swerve’s four members always looked at ease playing with one another and were consistently locked into their material.

Performance: Mahdesian’s stage presence was equal parts California hipster and beach-going slacker, with an energy most comparable to the laid-back style of retro indie rocker Kurt Vile. Since their performance was at a festival featuring plenty of non-musical attractions, a good number of their audience members were new and unsuspecting listeners, but it’s a testament to Swerve’s strength as a band that the entrance to the audience standing area was practically blocked off by festival-goers who had stopped and stayed to watch their set.

Summary: Retro rock is unquestionably relevant right now, and Swerve is contributing their own voice to this musical movement. Occasional moments in their set sounded unfocused, though this may ultimately be to their benefit.

Swerve sounds at their strongest in songs like “Baby Blue,” which rework the style of heavy pop hooks popularized by Nirvana for a modern rock audience, and incorporating country riffs like in “Dumb Romeo” or antepenultimate track “Know It All” as well as influences from a few other disparate genres of rock will only help them stand out. - Music Connection Magazine


"Premiere: Swerve, "Are You Coming Home With Me?""

Sometimes two people admitting they like each other can be quite a challenge; it seems almost miraculous when it does happen. But mustering the courage to confirm takes just as much, if not more, as things don’t always work out. The newest single from Swerve touches on this feeling, and the catchy number comes and goes as quick as a one-night stand. “Are You Coming Home With Me?” is a ’90s dream. Beginning with a contemplative, slightly angsty chord progression, paired with a bittersweet lead line, the nostalgia trip is compounded when Gregory Mahdesian’s voice — smooth and self-assured — is introduced. He sets the scene, “fantasized about this all my life … this feeling I can’t hide,” and poses the million-dollar question.

The follow-up to last October’s self-titled EP, the song was produced by the band’s now-bassist Brandon Duncan and plays on staple elements of the Britpop and grunge movements. Cinematic in lyrics and timbre, this song is perfect for a lover’s montage in Act II of any rom-com. Mahdesian notes that the song is, “about agonizing over how badly you want someone and deciding to just go for it and see what happens. Maybe that’s the solution, but maybe not.” - Buzzbands.la


"Music Video- Swerve "Everything (Hey Girl)""

“I’ve been living in the city so long/where everything is covered by smog/and everything I wanted was wrong”
That’s the chorus to LA foursome Swerve’s single “Everything (Hey Girl)” off of their self-titled EP. The sentiment may echoe throughout the lives of bloody-nosed dreamers all over Southern California, but the band’s sunny hooks better evoke the no-apologies fun of 90s Britpop like Blur.

Quotes frontman Gregory Mahdesian:
“We feel that ‘Everything (Hey Girl)’ has a slinky, moody vibe to it, but like a lot of our songs it doesn’t take itself too seriously. With that in mind, we wanted the video to be a kind of a playful dark comedy- something that might straddle the line between moody sincerity and silly humor. To create the video’s trippy, drunken effect, we actually filmed the clip in double time and then slowed it down to match up with the audio track!”

This single-take video was directed by Hank Fontaine of the LA band The Fontaines, who you are sure to read more about later this year on Yay! LA. Show the video below some California love and if you like what you hear you will be happy to know that all through May, Swerve will be hosting a Tuesday night residency at the DTLA Resident venue. Tickets can be purchased HERE. - Yay LA Magazine


"Video: Swerve, "Everything (Hey Girl)""

Swerve's sound can be traced to the 1990s, when Britpop and grunge ruled, and those influences can be heard in the majestic open-chord strums of the guitar and vocal harmonies on the band’s five-song EP, released last fall. The big sound in “Everything (Hey Girl)” becomes almost claustrophobic in the brilliant single-take video directed by Hank Fontaine of The Fontaines.

The video starts close on Swerve frontman’s Gregory Mahdesian’s eyes, and as the music continues the camera widens out to reveal more. It has a slow-mo effect that might have some viewers pressing CTRL-R repeatedly in confusion. It’s clear that he’s singing, and his mouth lines up with key words in the audio, but still has an unnerving feeling of being “off.” As the tempo and mood picks up for the chorus the camera pans back to reveal Mahdesian has been addressing his case to a small doll. He tells all to his porcelain enchantress, whose expression appears sullen. The video’s “warped” effect was achieved by filming in double-time and then slowing it down to match up with the original track. Even more, it’s congruent with the band’s visual style; a previous music video also featured a single character performing small actions in slow motion (with lyrics included). - Buzzbands.LA


"12 Artists You Need In Your Life"

As an introduction to the month of shows, Swerve released a new single, “Are You Coming Home With Me?,” on April 26. The band will also be dedicating part of each evening of its residency to one of its influences (think the Beatles and David Bowie).

Think: If one of the Gallagher brothers from Oasis, sans accent, had fronted (and fought with) Nirvana. - Los Angeles Magazine


"Anthem Review"

Earlier today, Swerve released their latest music video ‘Everything (Hey Girl)’, and it’s a real beauty. A black and white drama with plenty of subtle effects, it’s emotive, dark, and perfect for the track.

Swerve are a brilliant new four-piece with a penchant for heavy, cinemativc indie rock band. Forming in Los Angeles, CA, they’re busy making a name for themselves by rafting melodic, guitar-driven tunes that are impossible to ignore.

Songwriter Gregory Mahdesian leads the band with a vision he hasn’t wavered from since he was a kid trading in his lullabies for the Beatles. Together with local musicians Casey Baird on drums, Ryan Berti on guitar and Brandon Duncan on bass, Swerve creates songs reminiscent of the Britpop and Grunge movements of their youth with a modern sensibility and a healthy dose of their Californian personalities. - Anthem Review


"Join Swerve in May"

Clear your Tuesdays next month because they now belong to Swerve. Blending their love of 90’s rockers like Gin Blossoms and The Replacements with a British invasion of sorts is where their sound emerged from and today they’re one of LA’s ones to watch as they continue to make their mark. With one EP already under their belt, they’ll split time between their month-long residency at Resident with putting in time on their second EP that they hope will be in fans’ hands before this calendar year is over and done with. While they have their own thing going on, this residency is an interesting one.

Dubbed the “Mixtape,” these shows will feature a different facet of Swerve’s influences. One night will focus on their Britpop ways, another will be Black Sabbath, then The Beatles and lastly, the late Bowie. This should be a treat for those who also like that genre and those artists. It’ll also be interesting to hear how they take on Sabbath in between Britpop and The Beatles. Well, to find out how it all goes down – you have to head out for this variety packed residency at the Resident throughout May. Now in the mean time, check out their latest single, “Hey Girl.” - Coming Up Magazine


""Are You Coming Home With Me?" Is The Perfect Summer Hit!"

'Are You Coming Home With Me?' sung by Gregory Mahdesian of the Los Angeles Band Swerve, is just the kind of question you would hear from one of those summer Romantic Comedies where the guy is at the bar and slyly asking the object of his eye to 'hang out at my place'. At least, that's the vision when you read the title.....

Now, plug this into your iPod and have a listen to know that the lyrics and instrumentation is much more than that in this New ling awaited single that simultaneously has released in fair proximity to The Fontaines 'Cold'. Suffice to say, awesome travels in herds (the two bands are alos very good friends!). However, the sound is completely flashback Alternative yet Retro 80's complete with the Brat Pack 'Molly Ringwald' Pretty in Pink visionary in the minds eye.

This is a song about taking the plunge and asking the girl out once and for all. What is most delightful about the song is that the vocals aren't reminiscent of 'that guy' at the bar (as aforementioned), rather, it's a clean, hip, and refreshing classic visual of: boy-loves-girl/boy-finally-asks-girl-out. And in his best Shirt and Tie to boot! To me this is melody is also reminiscent of The Smith's in their candor and sonorous presence. If you are a Smiths or even a Simple Minds lover, this is the song you want to add to your playlist because it's definitely a summer hit! Have a listen below and be sure to check out their Social Media Links! - Starlight Music Chronicles


"PREMIERE: Stream Swerve's Self-Titled EP A Week Early"

Even though they formed in 2015, Los Angeles-based quartet Swerve are ready to unleash their explosive blend of '90s British and college rock. The brainchild of singer/songwriter Gregory Mahdesian, the band has quickly created a memorable sound. Mahdesian has been in and out of bands for the better of this decade, but when he met producer (and future-bassist) Brandon Duncan in Santa Monica's Apogee Studios when he was recording with his old band, there was an instant kinship. Though that band never released what they were working on, the seeds were planted for what became Swerve. Today, we're excited to premiere the band's self-titled EP, which recalls the elements of bands like Oasis, R.E.M. and the Replacements.

"With this first EP I was really trying to make a big, catchy rock’n’roll record — a new interpretation of the kind of music we all grew up loving but don’t get to hear that often anymore," Mahdesian says. "I think of it as a kind of mission statement: we play melodic songs with driving guitars, tight structures, harmonies and relatively direct lyrics. These songs wrestle with the fears, hopes, regrets and excitements I’ve definitely gone through and I suspect a lot of others have as well, so it’s pretty exciting to see the record get out there and start to connect with some people!"

Swerve's self-titled EP will be released on October 16. - Pure Volume


"Swerve's Baby Blue is a Backwards Love Story"

You figure, all romantic relationships can only end in one of two ways: death or a break-up. ‘Baby Blue’ by Los Angeles indie rockers Swerve looks at a love affair in reverse. Whereas Christopher Nolan’s Memento and Seinfeld’s “The Betrayal” (the one with Sue Ellen Mischke’s wedding in India) laid out scenes in reverse, in this clip the footage itself plays backwards.

“Baby Blue is the story of a relationship, told and filmed in reverse,” said lead vocalist Greg Mahdesian. “Throughout the whole thing I’m the mistral or bard, witnessing and recounting the entire story.” Casey Baird (drums), Ryan Berti (guitar) and Brandon Duncan (bass) round out the band, delivering a perfect summer pop song for fans of Marshall Crenshaw, Matthew Sweet and the Gin Blossoms.

The clip was conceived and produced by Backwards Car Films; directed by Alex Gardels with cinematography by Justin Moore. Max Benton and Claudia Santangelo show a lot of star potential as our doomed couple. With any luck, they will find love again — together or with new partners, in future Swerve clips. - PopDose


"Live Review: Swerve at Harvard and Stone"

Local alt-rock band Swerve performed at Harvard & Stone as the opening act for rock n’ roll group The Hellflowers’ debut EP release party.


Swerve landed on the Los Angeles scene just last fall with the debut of their self-titled EP. They’ve been on the rise ever since, developing a strong local fan base and drawing comparisons to alt-rock pioneers such as Oasis, Gin Blossoms, R.E.M. and The Replacements.

Singer-songwriter Gregory Mahdesian leads the band with a vision of staying true to the foundations of alt-rock. Together with local musicians Casey Baird on drums, Ryan Berti on guitar and Brandon Duncan on bass, Swerve creates songs reminiscent of the Britpop and Grunge movements with a modern sensibility along with a healthy dose of their Californian personalities.

At the East Hollywood speakeasy Harvard & Stone , Swerve played an early set to an enthusiastic crowd. They performed tracks from their self-titled EP, as well as a handful of new tracks from their upcoming EP. Swerve took to the stage in normcore attire (button down shirts and jeans), with Mahdesian declaring “this is the earliest and sober-est we’ve ever played.”

The band opened with “Know It All,” a grungy jam rock song, showcasing Duncan’s catchy bass line and Mahdesian’s deep vocals. Next, they played a new track “Kennedy,” which will be featured on their second EP. This upbeat song created the ideal ambience for a prep school dance; the drumming was precise and distinct like heartbeats, as Mahdesian sang, “I’m better off now…” with a nostalgic longing.

Throughout the evening, the audience enjoyed sneak previews of several brand new tracks. One of the highlights was their catchy new single “Are You Coming Home With Me.” Although it was the first time they’d played the song live, Swerve performed the number with confidence and finesse. Another new song, “Dumb Romeo,” was possibly the strongest performance of the evening. The track featured an intense usage of dynamics, with soft, intense vocals followed by loud, passionate guitar strumming. Mahdesian’s vocals soared as he delivered this track with a strong range of emotion.

Next, Swerve embraced the original fans in the crowd as they performed their very first single “Remedy.” Mahdesian sings with conviction, “I’m gonna take you far from here,” accompanied by grungy guitar riffs. The band closed their set with a fan favorite “Aw Hell,” a gloomy track off of their first EP. Mahdesian sings, “sorry that I’ve hurt you,” with a clear sense of despair.

As a whole, Swerve’s live performance created a reflective and moody ambience with their melodic, guitar-driven tunes. Although the band’s older songs were tried and true fan favorites, the newer tracks stood out as more complex, transporting the group out of the 90s and into a distinct new era.

Swerve continues to perform locally while recording a second EP, expected for release by the end of this year. Upcoming performances include a Tuesday night residency at Resident in Downtown LA this May. - National Rock Review


"Spill Music Video Premiere"

Swerve landed on the LA scene last fall with the debut of their self-titled EP. Since then, they’ve been on the rise, developing a strong local fan base and drawing comparisons to alt-rock pioneers such as Oasis, Gin Blossoms, R.E.M. and The Replacements. Crafting melodic, guitar-driven tunes, singer-songwriter Gregory Mahdesian leads the band with a vision of staying true to the foundations of alt-rock. Together with local musicians Casey Baird on drums, Ryan Berti on guitar and Brandon Duncan on bass, Swerve creates songs reminiscent of the Britpop and Grunge movements with a modern sensibility and a healthy dose of their Californian personalities. Swerve is currently recording a second EP, expected for release by the end of this year. The will also be performing a Tuesday night residency at Resident in Downtown LA this May. The residency is called “Mixtape” and each show will focus on Swerve’s different influences: Britpop, Black Sabbath, The Beatles and Bowie. - The Spill Magazine


"Exclusive Track Premiere: Swerve – “Baby Blue”"

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re delighted to introduce you to Swerve and their enticing jangle-rock single Baby Blue. Taken from their forthcoming EP (scheduled for release this fall), the track exhibits how the band effortlessly paint their sonic landscape with a modern day brush of alt-rock pioneers R.E.M. and Pavement. Wanting to know more about the single, Swerve frontman Gregory Mahdesian shared with AMBY;

“It’s hard to pinpoint the specific inspiration for a song because the moment can be so fleeting and you never want to overthink it, but I wrote Baby Blue while going through a pretty heavy Cure phase and I fell in love with those big, catchy guitar pop songs that they had such a knack for writing. Those songs always hit me a certain way and I wanted to take a stab at something like that. It has a lot to do with the uncertainties and excitements in both friendly and romantic relationships, but it’s also about the way a guitar riff can make you feel.“

The Los Angeles foursome (comprised of Gregory Mahdesian, Casey Baird, Brandon Duncan, and Ryan Berti) are working their way across the region and into next summer’s festivals, so keep your eyes open to know when the band will be in a city near you. Exclusively stream Baby Blue on AMBY and follow updates from Swerve below. - A Music Blog, Yea?


"Baeble First Play: The College Rock Throwback of Swerve"

I have a major soft spot in my heart for alternative 80s rock and what you might call "college rock" from the 90s. It's what I grew up on, and I wouldn't be writing about contemporary independent music if it weren't for those bands. And so when I was sent a band that I can only describe as what happens when you cross-pollinate the rumbling guitar lines of the Pixies with the elegant vocal melodies of 80s R.E.M. and then threw in some of the pop hooks of the Gin Blossoms, of course I was going to say yes to coverage here. And with L.A. alt-rockers Swerve, that's precisely what we have.

We're premiering the band's propulsive alt-rock number "Aw Hell," and from the minute the opening guitar lick arrives, it shows Swerve as a band rooted in the best of the history of college rock without being beholden to the acts that came before them. I hear hints of They Might Be Giants and The Verve, but Swerve still sounds like a band making music in 2015, and I'm more than ready to hear what else these young rockers have on the docket. - Baeble Music


"LA Scene Blog"

"I'm gonna take you far from here", vocalist Gregory Mahdesian sings with confidence on "Remedy", a track that perfectly exemplifies Swerve's impartial affection for thick, grungy riffs and jangly Brit rock. In their world, it's as if there's no seperation between the two, where even if both sounds were stylistically different they both shared a passion for gut-level immediacy.

Swerve will be playing songs from their debut EP tonight at Harvard & Stone, where they also promise to preview an upcoming single. Is there a full-length announcement coming soon? You'll have to make it there to find out. - The Deli Magazine


"Swerve Debut Their New Track "Everything""

Swerve is the creation of Los Angeles based songwriter Gregory Mahdesian. Officially formed in early 2015 with drummer Casey Baird, guitarist Ryan Berti, and bassist Brandon Duncan, Swerve went through a few incarnations before finalizing the line-up. Music was a lifelong pursuit of Gregory’s and some of the first Swerve songs started coming together as early as 2011 – locked in a downtown loft in his early 20’s contemplating whether anyone even cared about guitar music anymore.

Next came The Simple Pleasures – the first group Greg assembled to play the tunes he’d been hearing in his head for so long. They recorded an EP in late 2014 with producer (and future-bassist) Brandon Duncan in Santa Monica’s Apogee Studios. The Simple Pleasures knocked out an impressive 6 songs in 2 days but the band drifted – finding themselves in different parts of the world – and the EP was never to be released under their name, until Gregory found his bandmates in what is now Swerve. That’s when the songs really came alive and were fleshed out during recording. - Northern Transmissions


"Ears Wide Open: Swerve"

The first single from fledgling L.A. quartet Swerve recalls the heyday of Britpop, with alternately sharp/punky and pretty/chiming guitars setting the stage for frontman Gregory Mahdesian’s slightly menacing vocals. It’s the first song from an EP that Mahdesian, who previously played in the rock trio the Simple Pleasures, has in the works. Live, the singer-guitarist is currently joined by guitarist Ryan Berti, bassist Brandon Duncan and drummer Casey Baird. No muss, no fuss here — just a good ol’ guitar band with a bit of an Anglophile streak. We rather miss their ilk. - Buzzbands LA


"RRP Recommends - Swerve "Everything""

I've said it before, and with great certainty I know this won't be the last time: sometimes you just can't beat simple things done well. At first, "Everything", the second single from LA's Swerve, sounds like it might be taking that idea a touch too far, but it's all part of a greater plan. As the song develops, a little extra riff gets added here, a harmony is dropped in there, and new vocal melodies are found here, there and everywhere. By the end, you're listening to a full-on exhibition of top-notch indie guitaring in the '90s Brit-style.

Swerve is the creation of Los Angeles based songwriter Gregory Mahdesian. Officially formed in early 2015 with drummer Casey Baird, guitarist Ryan Berti, and bassist Brandon Duncan, the band are gearing up for a big 2016: expect festival appearances, a debut EP, and who knows how much more… - Record Rewind Replay


"Song of the Week - "Aw Hell""

Swerve is a new band out of Los Angeles with a cozy resemblance to Gin Blossoms and they’ve just released the first single off of their forthcoming EP, and “Aw Hell” is definitely worthy of a quick spin or twelve.

The song features in irresistible beat, catchy guitar riffs and distinctive vocals from songwriter Gregory Mahdesian. It boasts a cool garage rock swagger and the song immediately feels comfortable and likeable, leaving me thirsting to hear a bit more from this nascent band. Check the tune out below and let us know your thoughts. - RARAs Farm


"BB Podcast: BSing with Badasses: Episode 8"

This week we BS with Swerve’s Greg Mahdesian about crying at live shows (who and what exactly made us cry), what they’ve been doing as a new band to get themselves out there and what he would change about the current music scene. - Badass Bands


"Swerve - Remedy"

Did someone say 90’s styled 50’s rock?

Swerve are an LA based four piece, who play around with contemporary rock n roll, and the more recognised melodies of the 50’s golden era. On their debut track Remedy, it’s a cross between Radkey meets The Cribs meets Brit pop. The ever so slight punk influences, seep in between the melodic choruses and the ‘piece by piece’ verses, with momentous breaks for attention grabbing riffs, while the swagger of Brit pop flows effortlessly out of Gregory Mahdesian’s vocals. For a debut track, it’s absolutely stellar. If it ever gets a revamp, we’d recommend a slightly longer riff, so that you could truly lose your mind at the end of this three minute stunner. - Velvet Independent


"Swerve Have The Answer With Debut Song"

Los Angeles based Swerve have released their debut track ‘Remedy’.

Having only formed this year, the 4 piece have a strong sound with their song. With a slight nod to the Britpop era although the band hail from the US, there is a catchy chorus to the song, as the guitars form a melodic basis throughout, and the track also has a rock influence as well with an infectious hook to the single. - Rock and Roll Creations


"Swerve - Remedy (one-track-a-day 18/04)"

‘Remedy’ sounds like it could have come from a Creation Records compilation. Swerve, who are from Los Angeles, make upbeat and melodic guitar driven indie. There’s hardly any information about the band online apart from this is their first single released on 7th April and if it’s anything to go by you’ll be hearing a lot more from them on Through the Wire with their catchy melodies and pitch perfect harmonies. Let the music do the talking and listen below. - Through The Wire Music


"RRP Recommends - Swerve "Aw Hell""

Aw Hell
NeilBy Neil | RRP editor | posted on 4th September 2015
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"Aw Hell" is the new single from LA rock band Swerve. You might detect REMishness in some of the guitar lines, mixed with a kind of brit-pop, brit-rock downstroke.

Swerve is the creation of Los Angeles based songwriter Gregory Mahdesian. Officially formed in early 2015 with drummer Casey Baird, guitarist Ryan Berti, and bassist Brandon Duncan, Swerve went through a few incarnations before finalizing the line-up. Music was a lifelong pursuit of Gregory's and some of the first Swerve songs started coming together as early as 2011 - locked in a downtown loft in his early 20's contemplating whether anyone even cared about guitar music anymore.

An as-yet untitled EP is on the way - until then, hook up with Swerve on Facebook and Twitter. Links, as ever, are right here. - Record Rewind Replay


"Swerve Makes Tracks With New Single"

Los Angeles based Swerve have released a new single ‘Aw Hell’.

Following on from their debut single ‘Remedy’, the new single takes on a garage based sound, with a brooding vocal and plenty of guitar riffs to make this darker sounding track upbeat in contrast to the lyrics of the song about the dying embers of a relationship.

Swerve have also released another track ‘Everything’ which is available to stream from their Soundcloud page and was recently premiered on Northern Transmission.

Swerve were formed earlier this year and is the brain-child of Gregory Mahdesian. After a number of line up changes, he has been joined by Casey Baird, Brandon Duncan and Ryan Berti, and the band are now ready to make their mark on the music scene. - Rock n Roll Creations


"End of Year Playlist"

The bands and artists that have impressed us the most this year. - The Planet of Sound


"Intergalactic Expedition Interview"

Gregory Mahdesian, singer and song writer, is the frontman of the band Swerve. He joins Vazrik, the host of Intergalactic Expedition, to talk about his personal life and his music career. - Intergalactic Expedition


"Swerve Share New Single Baby Blue + Interview"

LA based band Swerve have just released new single called ‘Baby Blue’ from their upcoming self-titled EP which will be out end of October, with the release party being on the 24th. - The Planet of Sound


"Swerve Premieres Single "Everything""

Swerve have just release their new single ‘Everything’ from their upcoming EP which is due out later this year! - Cool Try Bro


"Swerve Premieres Single "Aw Hell""

After listening to “Aw Hell”, the new single from Swerve’s upcoming yet-to-be-titled EP coming out this fall, you may be forgiven for not thinking this band hails from Los Angeles or even the United States for that matter. - Cool Try Bro


"Interview- Swerve + Song Stream"

Stream Swerve’s latest single ‘Baby Blue’ - Cool Try Bro


"Swerve Premieres Single "Aw Hell" From Upcoming EP Out In The Fall"

After listening to “Aw Hell”, the new single from Swerve’s upcoming yet-to-be-titled EP coming out this fall, you may be forgiven for not thinking this band hails from Los Angeles or even the United States for that matter. Steeped in Brit Rock like Oasis, The Libertines, and Stone Roses, “Aw Hell” pulls you in with its deceptive simplicity. - The Planet of Sound


"LA Band Swerve Release New Single ‘Everything’ From Upcoming EP"

Swerve is the creation of Los Angeles based songwriter Gregory Mahdesian. Officially formed in early 2015 with drummer Casey Baird, guitarist Ryan Berti, and bassist Brandon Duncan, Swerve went through a few incarnations before finalizing the line-up.

Considering the band is still in their early stages, the sound seems to be pretty promising and make sure to check back for details for the upcoming EP. Current shows are listed below. - The Planet of Sound


"Breaking News-Swerve"

There are a lot of bands named Swerve. This one is a California band that channels the great poprock sound of those mid-1980s Athens, Georgia, post-new wave acts. Even their smoldering cover boy above exudes 1980s angst, or is that just a chill in the air? It was hard to choose just one song from the Swerve’s recently released self-titled EP. “Aw Hell,” “You’re Wild,” and “Baby Blue” all have single written all over them but this time I’m going with “Remedy” which kicks off with a great wall of guitar before going a bit quiet and then coming back in strong on the chorus. - Pop Rock Record


Discography

"Swerve EP"
1. Remedy
2. You're Wild
3. Aw Hell
4. Baby Blue
5. Everything

Photos

Bio

Swerve originally began as a moniker for music created by Los Angeles native Greg Mahdesian. But what initially began as a solo project eventually became a full-fledged band. Greg solely composed all of the songs on Swerve’s self-titled debut EP and hired producer Brandon Duncan to record them. So when it came time to recruit musicians in order to perform live, Greg naturally asked Brandon to join on bass, his old college friend, Ryan Berti, on guitar, and Mark Gardner on drums.

It was during the recording sessions of Swerve’s sophomore EP, Dumb Romeo, that the group truly came into fruition. Instead of Greg dictating all of the songwriting, he encouraged his bandmates to collaborate. The process was wholly organic and allowed them to expand their sonic palette by being able to individually focus on their respective talents. The outcome is a collection of dynamic tracks which could only be the result of intuitive synergy. “I’ve never dreamed of being on stage with the crowd chanting my name,” says Greg. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a true band. It’s just more fun.”

Swerve’s latest EP showcases a more catchy, melodic perspective due to the frequent use of vocal harmonies, propulsive rhythms, and blatant hooks. Collectively, the sound showcases a theme of maturity and warmth. Essentially, they’re songs that you can’t help but groove along to or sing along with just like the jangle-pop, rockabilly, and Britpop hits that heavily inspired them.

Produced again by band member Brandon Duncan (a protégé of Grammy Award-winning engineer/producer Bob Clearmountain), the EP was recorded at Apogee Studios on a recording console once used by Bruce Springsteen. No electronics or synthesizers were used in the making of these powerhouse tracks and to hear a guitar-driven act fronted by a baritone vocalist again is simply refreshing.

Band Members