From the moment I discovered Sqwerv, which wasn’t all that long ago, their music tingled my soul with excitement. Jammy indie rock rife with elements of psychedelia. Totally tubular, brah! The band has been together since around 2017, although recently they’ve redesigned how they capture their unique sounds through their home based studio. Change is inevitable, and when you assume control of implementing evolution, you put yourself on a new trajectory altogether.
The boys of Sqwerv have been getting it lately. They’re currently on tour, and recently opened up for the legendary George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. How friggin’ cool is that? Let’s see, do I have a cool quote that could possibly do them justice? Let me scour my databases for an ideal excerpt concerning change for growth. As you know, I’m privy to some good ones…ah, here we go! Bro, sis, have you ever heard of a fella by the name of Marcus Aurelius? He’s kind of a baller, an old school emperor, one of the most beloved of all time, and had this to say on the topic: “The universe is transformation, our life is what our thoughts make it.” Well said, Marcus. You continue to inspire us far into the future. Sqwerv is transforming minds and spaces through the captivating rhythms and melodies their camaraderie produces, and here comes the final course of Hors d’Oeuvres, Part 3!
I think the idea to release a full LP in three smaller EPs is kind of genius. With the attention span of the average person diminished to 4.343741 seconds before swiping north, south, east, and west (thanks social media), keeping presentations bite-size to engage audiences is certainly the move. I absolutely loved Part 1 of Hors d’Oeuvres, ‘Miami’ is still my favorite Sqwerv track to date. Following suit, Part 2 impressed through unique riffs and jams. ‘Croc Stomp’, anybody? Let’s party in a bog, baby! Today marks the release of Part 3, the final chapter in the Hors d’Oeuvres buffet of musical craftsmanship served up by the delicatessen of Guy, Kaden, Jack, and Zach. I’ve had first and second breakfast, and now I’m ready for my third and final helping.
Hors d’Oeuvres, Part 3 features a total of four songs. Sweet, that’s my favorite number! Let me tell you a little bit about the number four before I list the songs in order, with my trademark wordsmithing in depicting how these songs evoke feelings in me. Concerning the number four, this citation comes from Numerologist.com. “Four is a number with a strong and stable vibration. Numerologists recognize four as the number of foundations, materiality, physicality, practicality, and prosperity. The number four represents buildings, doorways, and the earth itself, standing as a symbol of things that are solid and not prone to change easily… The number four also represents commitment and obedience, strength and productivity. It’s not a particularly artistic or visionary number and contains little desire to stand out, but it’s incredibly tenacious, persistent and purposeful.” Speaking of the number four and how it applies to myself, I was the fourth child born to my household. Thanks, mom and pop, for giving me the opportunity to enter this world and eventually fulfill my dream of telling lively, vivacious, exciting, and entertaining stories. Sqwerv! Now, onto the album.
Sqwerv’s Hors d’Oeuvres, Part 3 features a tracklist of the following offerings, from one to four: ‘A Cabin Riff’, ‘Reverbia’, ‘Capsized Mind’, and ‘Freedom’. Let’s start at the beginning, which brings us one step closer to the finality of this project, ‘A Cabin Riff’. A plucky guitar greets my ears before drums enter the frame. Next, piano keys interject a lovely melody before the bass guitar lays down a fat beat. Delicious, and consistent. About two minutes in, the speed and tempo pitches upwards. What do I see? A party in a wood-laden area with denizens cheering and celebrating. I see they’re playing bags, cornhole if you prefer. They’re sinking shots in a back and forth battle, albeit a friendly contest, before the pace of play relaxes with about thirty seconds left. One point separates the teams, and one contestant stands with the chance to achieve victory. You know what I’d do in this instance? Bury that bag deep, sweetheart, for a demonstrative win. Handshakes, high-fives, and hugs, all around.
‘Reverbia’ is a dope little track whose title sounds to me like it indicates reverb will be prominently featured. What is reverb? I’m glad you asked. This gives me the opportunity to expand your knowledge of musical construction and technique. This is a concept I’m familiar with, as all things electronic fall somehow beneath my umbrella. Reverb is described as a reverberative effect produced in recorded music by electronic means; a device used for producing this effect; an electronic effect which simulates echoes or reverberations in the sound signal being processed. It’s kind of like an echo. Don’t believe me? Ask the internet, bud. I’m sure you’ll find fifty thousand definitions that will satisfy and say something similar, if not identical, to my own explanation.
Back to the jam, ‘Reverbia’ is one of the shortest tracks from amongst the three EPs. I love how this one starts. “Hey guys, I’m in the Amazon Rainforest and I just found a Yellow-tailed Cribo. Yoink!” Gosh darn it all… Guy, Kaden, Jack, and Zach, you got me cracking up, again! Next thing you know, a good and groovy jam session follows that’s got my shoulders jukin’ side to side and my head boppin’ in a circular motion as reverb ascends and descends, creating this cool atmospheric effect that transports me to the viewpoint of a bushwhacking explorer with machete in hand. What is a Yellow-Tailed Cribo? It’s a dangerous snake, often hunted by the Mongoose, and Sqwerv’s probably keeping one as a pet. Just kidding! Wait a minute, no, I’m not!
‘Capsized Mind’ elicits imagery of a sprawling mindscape awash in countless colors and patterns. I’m an overthinker, and my brain is constantly humming with eclectic ideas and story tangents for the myriad of IP’s I’m actively planning, projecting, and writing. The instrumentals fade in with a twangy guitar and splashy high hats leading the way, an ascending and descending bassline stoically representing from the background. No piano in this song, sadly, and I can’t really make out what the vocals are saying. The patterns repeat, over and over, without much variation. The repetition makes me feel like my mind is taking on water. I’m thinking too much. Someone get a bucket and let’s empty the boat. Are we sinking? Nay, we’re rising, friends! After six minutes and some change, we’ve arrived at the final entry in the Hors d’Oeuvres saga of songs.
‘Freedom’ is an atmospheric sensation. Gorgeous harmonic synths combine with gentle strums that seem to elevate the soul upwards and soaring through the clouds. The heart wants what the heart wants, and it can have it when our potential is unlocked through unwavering dedication. This is the longest track I’ve heard from the Sqwerv union of sound, and it feels like both the end and beginning of brand-new adventures. Before the culmination of ‘Freedom’, drums and bass have joined the chorus of instrumental exaltation. As this track comes to a close, a collaboration of heightening, heavenly sounds sings and crescendoes upwards before fading into silence, and bringing the Hors d’Oeuvres chronicles to a close.
What comes next from the indie rock intellect of Guy, Kaden, Jack, and Zach? Only time will tell, but I have a feeling it won’t be long before the fellas put together another masterful production to present to their steadily growing audience. Hard work pays off. Music is like a gospel, and Sqwerv’s preaching through inspiring and uplifting tunes, improvised magic alongside practiced and potent mellifluent poetry. It’s been a wonderful ride discovering and discussing these three Hors d’Oeuvres EPs, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of sharing my own impressions. The sky is the limit for Sqwerv, and though ‘Freedom’ has sung its final notes, the boys are still soaring and envisioning how they can touch and transform minds and hearts through their music.
For more information about Sqwerv, upcoming shows, socials, media, merch, and even to get in contact with the fellas, visit sqwerv.com.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
