My mind is cast back almost three years and a lockdown musical project by Leeds based Iwan Grant, called San Francisco released a slightly low key but earnest, honest and very promising tune called Night Drive.

Fast forward, and that same tune is now in technicolor and multi layered, and now performed by the band Iwan is a member of, Swim Wear.

What I admire about that San Francisco project is transferred here to Swim Wear; the way the lyrics are so conversational and raw and relatable.

Here our protagonist is seeking to implore a new love to give a fresh relationship a chance, despite a bad previous love experience.

This is almost Alan Bennett stuff, making the stories of everyday engaging and transferred to our time and to music. I can see this song being a relatable gospel to someone in a particular time and space.

The music meanwhile is far lusher and complex, which shows much has progressed since the project became a fully fledged band, and with a goodly number of gigs and practice sessions under their belt.

Sometimes I do wonder whether revisting earlier songs is the best use of a new artist’s time and expense, but I can also perhaps appreciate a burning hole; a need to make what you create to be as well and good as it can be.

Here Iwan and Swim Wear have done Night Drive proud. The tracks slightly understated side, gives the band a different substatial feel. A well deserved return to a worthy track and justice well done.

By the way Swim Wear are admirable contenders live on stage, so don’t hesitate to catch these lads whirl up a storm from their music and sheer vibe.

* words by tiggerligger

* images from the band’s socials