Swifton

Swifton.  The knockout follow-up to Hit Me!  Available to stream or download now!

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Hal-eh-f-ing-lu-yah!  It’s been 35 years(!) since Cincinnati’s incredible Walter Hodge released a new set of songs, since 1988’s sophomore Tilt-a-Whirl closed one of the greatest bands of that decade, The Libertines (U.S.; predating the popular U.K. one)—hint: check out their Greatest Hits on YouTube!  It’s to die for.  Regrettably the Libs’ 2007-2010 reunion produced crackling, thrilling gigs (I saw two), but no releases.  But here, with that latter lineup’s drummer Todd Witt (Wolverton Bros.), PM proves a wonderful follow-on, however uniquely belated.  It’s unmistakably Hodge’s classic style/vocals, and stunningly realistic slice-of-analysis lyrics—of how relationships fray, shatter, then get pored over in bittersweet regret.  And though bassist Randy Cheek and Tilt second/lead guitarist Jimmy Davidson aren’t here/not forgotten, their counterparts Mike Huegen (Stiff Kittens) and William Weber (Chrome Cranks) have the experience/feel/chops to bring the weird rootsy/busy/occasionally twangy licks to Hodge’s boundless bag of hooks and confessional voice.  They’re mostly mid-tempo—more “Too Bad It’s Raining” then “Her,” say—but this timeless indie rock with busy licks (Lloyd/Quine-like on “Linger”), like a R.E.M “Little America”/Long Ryders matchup, and the digging-in band push the fabulous Hodge to remembered heights on their biggest standouts: the quickest tempo runs “Golden Rod” and “Debbie (Everything)”—this era’s “Reunion!”—plus the prime of unreleased old song carry-overs, “Valentine’s Day, make the well-titled, engaging Hit Me 2023’s most convincing surprise.  (plushmachine.net)

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