LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Swim School @ Waterfront Studio, Norwich

Monday 22nd April 2024

Upon arriving at the venue I was surprised to find the amount of people there was queuing, considering it was a Monday Night, with more arriving by the second. As usual security & door staff were doing a great job at getting people in quickly. Whilst I have shot at the Waterfront a number of times, I have never been inside the studio. To my surprise it was like I was taken back to the 90’s where there was a floor, bar and stage in a loft style environment, plus the gig was a sellout with a 200 strong crowd, everyone was ready for the gig to start. It wasn’t long before the support act for the night The Zigarettes, entered the stage.

The Zigarettes

The Zigarettes had a similar style to early Radiohead and elements of Joy Division in their unique style of playing, with good songwriting and every member doing their part, they were a worthy support act for the night. I will look forward to hearing more from these guys, as they have a style which is quite rare today.

After a small set from the Zigarettes, it was time for the headlining act to enter the stage, and before you knew it, Swim School were ready to perform.

Swim School

Edinburgh based Swim School, started off their set with “Bored”, which to me is one of their best songs, with varying genres and a good hard dose of Punk, with superb vocals from Alice, the energetic crowd were in full force and that was just the start of their set. “Swim School” then followed up with “Outside” which has a catchy 90’s Indie style and Kill You a soft mellow track, which shows how talented diverse Swim School are, with their ability to change styles instantly. Every track was played amazing, and their stage presence, is among the best I have seen. During the 13 track set, one of the highlights for me was “To Grow”, whilst it was a ballad, it really brings out Alice’s vocal ability, with a soft yet powerful.

Swim School finished their set with “Anyway” a catchy uplifting song, which was the perfect finish to a perfect night. Swim School are one of the best bands that I have seen live, and would love to see them again in the future, as they are a force to be reckoned with.

Members

Alice Johnson (Vocals / Guitar)

Lewis Bunting (Guitar)

Matt Mitchell (Bass)