The Names – Swimming

I was unimpressed with this album on my first few listens. The only thing that stood out, beyond the dissonant jolt that starts "Discovery", was the weird monotone Michel Sordinia does on the chorus of "Life By the Sea". Sordinia is not a very good singer. He doesn't have much of a range and seems to struggle to hold a note. The lyrics are bizarre and difficult to understand. Does this lessen my enjoyment of the music, and are these characteristics necessarily negative? No and no. It's really the rhythm section that holds my attention; the bass and drums are clean and slick, often holding a groove that repeats with few alterations throughout the song. The bassist is fond of the midrange, and strumming rather than plucking one note ("The Fire", "Life By The Sea"). Less noticeable are the guitars — simple arpeggios or distorted guitar riffs that sound more suited to a prog album ("Shanghai Gesture", "Light") — which don't pop out right away as they're mixed quieter than the rhythm section. My favorite component of this album's sound, though, is the synths. "Life By the Sea" and "Light" (et al.) would be much less without some dramatic synth melodies making them a little more uneasy. It sounds like they're in a church, or like they were recorded from the other side of the room or something. I actually thought the synths on "Life By the Sea" were a guitar at first for that reason. On the Peel session for that track, most of the reverb is gone, and it's a simple, clean little tone that buzzes along. So from here, if you enjoy this album, to see how this band sounds outside of a stifling high-production environment, check out the Peel sessions.

My copy has a sticker claiming 500 copies...any infos on a repress? thanks

Why are not more tracks The Names released in this decade to find on this album? There would have been enough space for 2 or more tracks, White Life, The Drive, Cat, I wish I could..., Shining Hours, Revenge

1982 full-length album by this Belgian band. Their music can be described as melancholic sounding postpunk/wave with a rather desolate atmosphere. Water sounds(!) fill up the gaps between each track. Strongly recommended for people who are into that typical Factory-sound or bands like The Wake (UK), The Chameleons, Five Or Six, etc... You might consider to buy the CD-version of this album instead, as it includes the equally great 'Nightshift' and 'Calcutta' singles as a bonus. Listening tip: "The fire", one of their darkest songs.