The Swellers Final U.S. Show Review
After 13 years of empowering fans with catchy and meaningful pop punk The Swellers played their final US show at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California. The band brought San Francisco pop punk band Heartsounds and Only Crime/Good Riddance vocalist Russ Rankin along for their final ride. After adding locals Eye the Realist and Normandy to the bill the night promised an eclectic and entertaining night. As Normandy hopped onstage clad in foam bunny ears it seemed like Easter came early. The band pelted the crowd with candy-filled plastic eggs between original pop punk tracks before throwing Green Day’s “Basket Case” into the mix. Next Eye the Realist treated fans to an energetic set and the premier to their newest track “iDream”. This show marked the first stop of a month long tour spanning from coast to coast. While fans trickled into the venue there was still plenty to come.
As the number of monitors and amps diminished Russ Rankin quickly took the stage with an acoustic guitar. The pacing of his set was significantly slower than what Good Riddance or Only Crime fans may have expected, but his songs carried enough energy to exceed these writer’s expectations. While performing tracks off his debut solo album Farewell California Rankin’s goodwill, heartfelt lyrics, and appreciation were extremely evident. Through songs like “Departures”, “Skin and Bone”, and “Pushing Daisies” fans swayed to the rhythm and chimed in at choruses. Towards the middle of the set his cover of Tony Sly’s “Via Munich” made the audience erupt excitement. His different musical direction was a nice twist that diversified the night’s acts.
Heartsounds were up next and quickly kicked their set into high gear. After Rankin’s performance, Heartsounds proved heartfelt lyrics can be sung at high speeds. Tracks from each of their three albums: Until We Surrender, Drifter, and Internal Eyes all made an appearance. The onstage chemistry between vocalists/guitarists Ben Murray and Laura Nichol proved Heartsounds ironed out any kinks in their sound a long time ago. Trey Derbes and Bobby Taul rounded out the frantic four and showered the audience with a refined collection power-packed tracks.
By the time the lights dimmed before The Swellers hit the stage a large eager crowd filled the venue and were more than ready. As the band burst into “Should” and “Big Hearts” off their most recent release The Light Under Closed Doors the crowd surged towards the knee-high stage echoing lyrics. Immediately after the band rolled straight into “Runaways” and “Inside My Head” from Good For Me the crowd showed even more enthusiasm. The Swellers blew through the remaining 17 songs before ending the night with “Best I Ever Had” fans cheered, crowd surfed, and sang along. It was evident that over the years The Swellers have amassed a dedicated following who were in full force at Chain Reaction. It’s always sad to see bands drop off the touring circuit, but all good things must come to an end. Seeing The Swellers walk of stage in a blaze of glory was astonishing, and really showed how instrumental the band has been in the eyes of their fans. By the Barricade will be keeping an eye out for a reunion show, but until then this writer will be playing Good For Me loud and proud.
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