This is a personal artist spotlight on Swearin’ by Alternate Reality.
If I’m being completely honest, Swearin’ is the band that I am most excited about seeing at Hopscotch mostly because I’m going to unleash the pop-punk inside of me that hasn’t been around since I was in 8th grade listening to bands that wish they were as good as Swearin’.
It’s no surprise that their most recent self titled album is so excellent. Allison Crutchfield, the co-founder of the band along with her bandmate Kyle Gilbride, was a part of a 90s pop-punk band PS Elliot with her twin sister Katie Crutchfield, also known as Waxahatchee. This band was a cult favorite however they disbanded in 2011 and this allowed both sisters to pursue their own projects.
Swearin’ has the same punk sensibilities as PS Elliot with a lot more fuzz and excellent guitar hooks that make moshing and head banging almost irresistible. Between these fast paced punk songs, Allison and Kyle slow and sad lo-fi songs that fit perfectly with the pace of the album. In general, this album brings all the best nostalgia of pop-punk in the early 2000s but revitalizes and rethinks punk in a way that doesn’t make you feel like you’re back in 2003. It allows for seriousness and fun, making this album come together perfectly.
Favorite Track: “Here to Hear” on Swearin’
Playing: Friday, September 6 at 10:30 at The Pour House Music Hall.