Swervedriver

Swervedriver is an alternative rock and shoegaze group from Oxford, United Kingdom, active from 1989 to the present. The band’s sound combines distorted, swirling guitars with psychedelic elements, and it is also linked with grunge because of its heavier rock style. Its lyrics often return to themes of cars, racing, escape and the open road.

Formation and early line-up

The group develops from an Oxford band called Shake Appeal, formed in 1984 and named after a song by The Stooges. That line-up includes Adam Franklin and Jim Hartridge on vocals and guitar, Graham Franklin on lead vocals, Adi Vines on bass and Paddy Pulzer on drums. Shake Appeal writes the song that becomes Swervedriver’s early classic Son of Mustang Ford. After Graham Franklin and Paddy Pulzer leave, the remaining members bring in drummer Graham Bonnar, and the band’s sound shifts towards the heavier, more experimental style associated with Swervedriver.

Recording career

Swervedriver signs to Creation Records after a demo of Son of Mustang Ford reaches Alan McGee through Ride. The band’s early releases are a series of EPs, including Son of Mustang Ford, Rave Down and Sandblasted, before the debut album Raise appears in 1991. After touring the United States in support of Soundgarden, Graham Bonnar leaves and Adi Vines departs soon after; Bonnar and Vines later form Skyscraper.

The original line-up’s final release is the 1992 EP Never Lose That Feeling. In 1993, Swervedriver returns with Franklin and Hartridge joined by drummer Jez Hindmarsh and releases Mezcal Head, generally treated as the band’s landmark album. That record produces the single Duel, one of the group’s best-known songs, and the b-side The Hitcher later appears on the Last Train to Satansville EP and becomes a fan favourite.

Later line-ups and releases

By 1994, Steve George joins on bass. The band tours extensively in the United States, Japan and Europe, including support dates with The Smashing Pumpkins. In 1995, Creation Records drops the band shortly after the UK release of Ejector Seat Reservation, an album that broadens their sound with influences including Elvis Costello and Bob Dylan.

Swervedriver signs to Geffen Records in 1996 and begins work on a fourth album, but the contract ends after their A&R representative is removed during corporate downsizing. The finished album is eventually released as 99th Dream in 1998 on Zero Hour Records. It continues the band’s move away from its earlier grunge associations while keeping its guitar-heavy, psychedelic style. The title track is written as a prequel to Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream. The 1999 EP Wrong Treats is the group’s final release before a hiatus announced later that year.

Aftermath and reissues

Adam Franklin continues with the band Toshack Highway. In 2005, Castle Music releases the anthology Juggernaut Rides, a 33-track collection that includes rare EP material and four previously unreleased songs. Swervedriver also reconnects for a 2008 tour.

Members

Members associated with the group include Adam Franklin, Graham Franklin, Jim Hartridge, Adi Vines, Paddy Pulzer, Graham Bonnar, Jez Hindmarsh and Steve George.