Swerve

Swerve originally began as a moniker for music created by Los Angeles native Greg Mahdesian. But what initially began as a solo project eventually became a full-fledged band. Greg solely composed all of the songs on Swerve’s self-titled debut EP and hired producer Brandon Duncan to record them. So when it came time to recruit musicians in order to perform live, Greg naturally asked Brandon to join on bass, his old college friend, Ryan Berti, on guitar, and Mark Gardner on drums.

It was during the recording sessions of Swerve’s sophomore EP, Dumb Romeo, that the group truly came into fruition. Instead of Greg dictating all of the songwriting, he encouraged his bandmates to collaborate. The process was wholly organic and allowed them to expand their sonic palette by being able to individually focus on their respective talents. The outcome is a collection of dynamic tracks which could only be the result of intuitive synergy. “I’ve never dreamed of being on stage with the crowd chanting my name,” says Greg. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a true band. It’s just more fun.”

Swerve’s latest EP showcases a more catchy, melodic perspective due to the frequent use of vocal harmonies, propulsive rhythms, and blatant hooks. Collectively, the sound showcases a theme of maturity and warmth. Essentially, they’re songs that you can’t help but groove along to or sing along with just like the jangle-pop, rockabilly, and Britpop hits that heavily inspired them.

Produced again by band member Brandon Duncan (a protégé of Grammy Award-winning engineer/producer Bob Clearmountain), the EP was recorded at Apogee Studios on a recording console once used by Bruce Springsteen. No electronics or synthesizers were used in the making of these powerhouse tracks and to hear a guitar-driven act fronted by a baritone vocalist again is simply refreshing.