swoon (–verb)

definition: 1. to faint; lose consciousness. 2. to enter a state of hysterical rapture or ecstasy. 3. to cause serious head-bobbing and air-drumming at traffic lights

California indie-rock outfit, Silverun Pickups, deliver an exciting and energetic followup to their 2006 debut album “Carnavas”. Their latest release “Swoon” is a well executed lesson in what TO DO on your follow-up album. #1 – Keep it to ten tracks or less. Not much filler on this album as it’s packed full of guitar-driven hooks but orchestrated with a sense of balance and finesse. #2 – Expand on what works. The Pickups are a modern mix between Fleetwood Mac and Smashing Pumpkins, two solid rock bands any act should appreciate comparisons to. So I was pleased to see them keep that moniker and enrich their sound with greater depth and mood. And since I like things in threes, #3 – Make your fans want to see you live. Job well done guys. You are officially on the short list of bands I want to see in concert.

Some out there might see this album as more gimmicky due to the constant hooks and distortion-heavy riffs, I disagree strongly. If anything this is more of a concept album as 80% of the tunes are 5 minutes or longer and while “Panic Switch” has been dubbedd the album’s first single, not many radio-friendly tunes clock in at 5 minutes 44 seconds. That’s the best part about this album, the songs don’t feel as long as they actually are. So press play and crank it up. I’ve been rocking this little gem in traffic or on the occasional run around the block because it gets you pumped. And you know an album is good when you find yourself taking the long route just to keep listening to it.