Headswim – Re-release ‘Despite Yourself’

Album – Despite Yourself (Deluxe)

Release Date 6^th December 24

Review by Linda McDermott

I must confess, I missed out on Headswim the first time round and so for me they are a new band. But for those who know and love them, this will be a trip down memory lane, not only for you but for the band as well.

Headswim’s sophomore album documents the development of the band maturing as songwriters and will be available on vinyl for the first time. This deluxe re-issue features seven bonus tracks including previously un-released tracks, so not only a bit of nostalgia but also adding something new for you to discover.

They are:

Daniel Glendining (guitar/vocals)

Tom Glendining (drums)

Nick Watts (keyboards/cello/ backing vocals) 

Clovis Taylor (bass guitar)

Originally released on 2nd September 1997 Despite Yourself reached 24 in the UK charts that would see the band tour the USA and Europe, as well as making several TV appearances (including Top of The Pops), remember that? They even filmed a couple of glossy music videos and got some mainstream media attention. They had been given a chance, and they grasped it with both hands, and who wouldn’t? “We were aiming for longevity and believed we had written a collection of songs honestly expressing who we were, where we’d been and where we wanted to go. The album was a declaration of intent, an expression of our lived experience, a light in the dark.” 

Despite Yourself deluxe track list:

Side A

Tourniquet

Hype

Years On Me

Clinging To The Wreckage

Better Made

Side B

Wishing I Was Naive

Old Angel Midnight

Holy Ghost

Burnt Out Shell Of Bliss

Devil In My Palm

Side C

Moving On

Brother

Black Car

Last Subway Coma

Recovery Position

Side D

The Seed

Plagued

No Ticket

Torniquet W/ Strings

So, what do I think of this album as a new listener? Well, the deluxe reissue of this late-90s album is a nostalgic trip back to an era defined by laid-back grooves and sun-drenched melodies. With its chilled-out feel and timeless appeal, the album, for me, captures the essence of a long hot summer where the music is played loud with friends, becoming the soundtrack for those memories. The collection serves as a showcase of their venture in the music world, reflecting the spirit of their exploration and creativity that defined that moment in time.

The reissue features a relaxed, easy-going vibe where the songs encapsulate the band’s ability to blend warm, melodic sounds with smooth, meaningful lyrics. The interplay of soulful vocals, breezy guitar riffs, and steady rhythms, as was the way in the late nineties, evokes a sense of timeless simplicity, making the album a perfect choice for easy listening.

Each track has its own merits but standout tracks for me include ‘Better Made,’ it has a way of getting in your head and making you want to hear all the words. Then there’s ‘Burnt Out Shell Of Bliss’ that has a great tempo to it as it reveals its story. There’s the heart felt ‘Brother,’ which sets the tone of a mellow groove, full of sadness, as well as ‘Tourniquet,’ a mid-tempo masterpiece that feels tailor-made for blaring out of car windows on an open road. It builds up slowly, it is timed beautifully as it launches into the chorus. Tourniquet appears twice on the album with the second version recovered from Sony archives, it features a full string orchestra that adds a different feel to it.

‘Recovery Position’ sees the vocals changing up a gear, giving a different tone to Dan’s voice. ‘The Seed’, twists the vocals again giving it more attitude and a slightly heavier edge. The band’s talent for crafting melodies that linger long after the song ends is evident throughout the album. Each track offers a glimpse into the band’s artistic journey and their ability to stay true to their music.

The deluxe edition goes beyond the original release, adding bonus tracks. These additions give listeners a chance to hear fresh offering and a fresh perspective on the band. For me, they fit seamlessly into the album without any of them jarring with the other songs, perfect.

As a reissue, the album is poised to introduce the band’s music to a new generation of fans. Its laid-back style characterised by a blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance is likely to appeal to both longtime listeners and newcomers.

Ultimately, it celebrates the enduring charm of a band that carved out their niche in the music world with a sound that is as fresh and inviting today as it was when it first debuted. Headswim’s music has an ease about it that speaks of timeless quality.

Whether you’re revisiting the album or discovering it for the first time, it’s a vivid reminder of why the late 90’s remains such a beloved era for this music.

Videos

Tourniquet (Original)

Tourniquet (Strings Attached)

You can order the album at www.trappedanimal.com