SWMRS (but you can call them ‘Swimmers’) are a young punk rock band from Oakland, California. When they formed, in 2004, the four guys – Cole Becker (vocals), Max Becker (guitar, vocals), Joey Armstrong (drums) and Seb Mueller (bass) – were 10-year-olds. They released their debut album in 2011, and their fourth long-player Berkeley’s On Fire came out last month.

There’s a bit of the Ramones about SWMRS, and a bit of Green Day as well. Joey is Green Day frontman Billie Joe’s son, you know? But on this new album, their sound has been enriched with contemporary electronic elements, giving their songs a more modern feel. One of the standout tracks on the album for instance, the energetic Lose Lose Lose, comes with an added breakbeat-like foundation. Win win win, as far as I’m concerned.

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.