Words by: Amy Moores
Recorded in just two weekends, Right Swipe Generation is The Likelihood’s debut album release. Already featured on BBC Introducing South West, this is a launch that announces: “we’re here — and you’re absolutely not ready”.
Nothing To Declare, funnily enough, declares a character for the band as messy, gritty and most importantly, fun. The lyrics “I get shifty after a larger, just ask my father”, provide an angst to this debut, giving the second track on the debut an attitude that sets the mood for a release that doesn’t really care what you think of it.
This one starts loud, yet still manages to build to a classic jump-around riot provided by Daniel Milnes’ lead guitar. If you were a fan of Sports Team’s newest issue Gulp!, check this out. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this becoming one of the most popular tracks from this release, undoubtedly sure to be an upcoming soundtrack for bouncing off sticky floors.
Rush Hour Traffic is another favourite, touching on grievances for growing up in an increasingly technological age. Discussing possibilities for the year 2057, the track doesn’t shy away from speaking on the economy, in “ask Alexa if I mentioned my pension, last time I asked they said I’d get it when I’m 97”.
The rise in surveillance is also acknowledged, most notably with “the CIA has got your DNA, they know it all from the size of your feet to the time that you sleep”. Although completely different musically, Rush Hour can be seen as a parody of Busted’s Year 3000, in an apprehensive, adult yet youthful depiction of what life may be for those promised a life underwater in the early 2000s.
Clever lyrics and spoken word vocals from Tom Rainbird present this track as a manifesto for how the life that we’d rather not see may just sneak into action, whilst we’re all sat around waiting in traffic.
Reminiscence (Part 1&2) begins with a smooth guitar melody, whilst lyrics discuss love lost, in “can you hear me call your name, in the pouring rain, you’re not to blame”. With words evocative of purity from The Cure and a distinct 90’s sound, there’s a romance and bittersweetness that comes across whilst the narrator takes the time to indeed, reminisce.
Ultimately, they’ve managed to be unexpectedly genre elusive, with guitar in Can’t Sit Still varying from a soft blues, to a raw anger with Callum Cannarella’s drums reminiscent of early Idles. Intelligent lyrics are a staple throughout the release, seen best in Rom-Com.
Fans of Viagra Boys, Sleaford Mods and shame will enjoy this one. The album is best summed up by “everything is fine if you’re born before 1999”, stated in the track 1999. With this release, The Likelihood touches on growing up through recessions and pandemics, ultimately presenting an array of tones and emotions for today’s youth.
The first few tracks declare a sound that the listener distinguishes as the overall tone, quickly dismissed with softer Give It All To You and a 90s prog-rock Reminiscence (Part 1&2).
Ben Lawer’s bass guitar is best heard on the tenth track, Kids With Knives, bringing the album back to the attitude it begins with.
Their debut album is a loud, good time and this Plymothian band are most certainly one you’ll want to swipe right for.
The Likelihood will be playing the album in full at The Underground in Plymouth in Right Swipe Generation’s launch show on January 28th, supported by three bands.
Follow them for gig antics and the occasional cat-with-cd pictures via @the_likelihoodband.