swim~ 4th September 2026
Smart, smooth and tactile album from Colin Newman and Malka Spigel. Colin is the more well-known of the duo, with his history with post-punk pioneers, Wire but this is a partnership of equals, and a prolific one. A second album in two years suggests something is working well and it is a lovingly forward-focused set of pieces. They bring a drummer in and the album feels like it drives itself, rolling along with a natural grace and groove.
Start at the beginning – this is sequenced to flow – Colin’s chatty words about clouds match a gently sung chorus from Malka, needled by stabs of guitar. Clouds as metaphor, facts about clouds, cloudy ubiquity. Then relaxed motorik groove weaves a smile in the music as Malka’s vocal encourages hope. ‘We Don’t Need Your Validation’ is a twisted pop tune with irresistible rhythms and waspish guitar underpinning Colin’s sardonic words about social media.
A drone instrumental has eastern sounds before the bass ramps up heavy in a Jah Wobble style and the guitar keeps striking hard and lifting up. The title track has a totally impelling elastic bass / drum beat as Colin and Malka do their talk and sing combo in the uplifting song, commenting on divisive social grouping. A nippy instrumental follows, with childlike commentary in French and move towards the close. Leaving us nicely sated, as a properly structured set should, the closer is pensive and hovering. Conversation drifts in and out, alongside intercom radio and the gamelan-ish chimes and underlying drone leave me quietly blissed.
This album is a gem; something to spend time with, letting it subtly shift and enhance your mood.
Ross McGibbon