Flagstaff, Arizona based band The Sways may be self-described as “three proud dads”, but their sound is far from typical dad rock. Their fist single, “I Have Been the Moon” is lush, with rich, melancholy acoustic guitars and impeccable harmonies. It has a timeless sound that echoes decades worth of influences, from Buffalo Springfield, to The Jayhawks, to Bon Iver or Fleet Foxes. It is a beautifully produced debut that will leave you wanting more.
I Have Been the Moon begins with a classic guitar lick, with drums and strummed guitars immediately following, before the bass and vocals come into focus. The bassline is full and round, sitting perfectly in the mix, even on small speakers and phones where the bass usually disappears. But the real star of this song is the vocals, with a distinctive, haunting lead voice and harmonies that come and go in goosebump-inducing layers. Adding even more, shimmering arpeggios of guitar rise at perfect moments, evoking the titular satellite. Eschewing simple verse-chorus-bridge structures, I Have Been the Moon is a superbly crafted piece of indie Americana.
Suppose The Sways’ first album is full of similarly crafted songs. In that case, it should be eagerly anticipated by fans of indie rock and folk. Their skills as songwriters and arrangers are evident, and I Have Been the Moon is an honest, sincere song that blends modern and traditional sounds seamlessly. You can follow The Sways on Instagram and support them on Bandcamp.
Written by Dylan Steele
