Swim Deep, in light of the massive success of Peace, are fast becoming the second band of B-Town city. ‘Honey’ seems a concerted effort to turn that around. Moving, though only incrementally, away from the slacker-rock sounds that boosted them to popularity the song shows the band at a more introspective junction. Gently chiming guitars and swells of warm synth provide the frame for a surprisingly soft vocal line and a chorus that could have come straight out of Toploaders back catalogue. Which, despite Toploader being (more or less) shit, is meant as a compliment. The most telling thing is perhaps the way the tune’s been labelled on soundcloud. Whereas King City was ‘Grunge Pop’ Honey, with it’s warm vibes, has got rid of the Grunge tag entirely. A new direction for the band? Probably not. But it should certainly see them challenging Peace as Birmingham’s best export.
