Brooklyn based indie quartet Swear & Shake got their official showcase at this years SXSW in Austin, Texas through which they were brought to our attention. They were formed by Adam McHeffey (guitar, banjo, vocals) and Kari Spieler (guitar, vocals) whilst at State University of New York and recored their first track in the final weeks of their senior year. Bass and drums were soon introduced via Adam’s childhood friends Shaun Savage and Thomas Elefante (now replaced by Ben Goldstein).
Soon after they released their first EP and beagn playing an increasing number of gigs in New York City and Brooklyn before releasing their 2011 debut album Maple Ridge. They have established a solid reputation leading to support slots for The Lumineers, Delta Rae, and G Love & Special Sauce.
Their range of music is far reaching and refreshing and they’ve a stage presence to match. I certainly wouldn’t compare them to Mumford and Sons or Bon Iver as some have (a press obsession of late) but I love what I’ve heard. They manage to strike that balance that makes their music both engaging and cutting edge, they’ve a great future ahead of them!