Described as a hitchhiker’s guide to fictional slop pop, Grandpa Swamp’s debut EP is all bedroom synth revival and indie acoustics. These brooding instrumentals and soft rhythms will wrap you up in subdued beauty.
Named after a concept of Taoism, Wu Wei refers to a mental state in which our actions are effortlessly in alignment with the flow of life. Maybe that’s the best word for this album – effortless.
Grandpa Swamp may lay claim to sloppiness, but this EP is as clean and present as ever. Wu Wei is perfect for all you lovers of contemporary low-fi done right. Not too much, but certainly not too little either.
Featuring vocals by Peter Pot, tracks like “Holy Spirit Caviar” and “Top Deck” ground the band’s more commercial appeal, even bringing hints of subtle hip-hop into the mix. They’ve got a bit of comedy to them too, as Pot stutters “There’s something I need to get off my chest/ if I had to choose Top Deck is the best” – a needed break from the band’s heavily introspective ambience. “Future Shock” is a personal favourite, with its heartache Mac De Marco melodies stinging right at my chest.
Come dance around in the sound swamp, you’ll feel right at home.
