A shoegaze legend sets out on soundtrack paths.
With his band Swervedriver, Adam Franklin pursues the idea of bringing shoegaze and metal together. The album 99TH DREAM from 1998, which is now being re-released, shows how well he succeeded in doing this, especially in the 90s. As part of this campaign, Franklin presents the new project Bolts Of Melody, his approach here is a unity of shoegaze and soundtrack music. There was even the idea of completely freeing the tracks from vocals. Franklin does sing now, but more as an accompaniment, not as a lead vocalist.
The moods are more important than the singing. Ever thought about what it would sound like if Ennio Morricone and Dinosaur Jr. teamed up? “Black Flower” shows it. J Mascis plays a J Mascis solo, accompanied by a choir singing a sweet melody – absolutely fantastic. Adam Franklin was also influenced by German cosmic music and the post-rock of Mogwai; the finale “Vamp” is reminiscent of the moment when a dream turns into a nightmare with language samples and jazz rhythms.