Sweets - Sweets LP

Review from goldenplec.com 4 Stars

The formation of SWEETS had been brewing for some time, but it was the Covid lockdown that finally brought things to fruition, as members from legendary Limerick bands Windings, Tooth, Giveamanakick and Japanese Jesus fused their talents to form a band with a desire to create powerful, guitar-drenched music. Liam Marley (Guitar/Vox) and Lorcan Bourke (Drums) had been writing songs together for over ten years before joining forces with close friends Keith Lawler (Guitar) and Bertie Kelly (Bass), with SWEETS the result.

Given the musical heritage of the various members of SWEETS the sound they produce might not be completely unexpected, yet their eponymous debut album certainly delivers much earful pleasure. There are nods to Bob Mould, particularly his Sugar phase, along with the likes of Killing Joke & The Jesus Lizard. But SWEETS exist in their own unique space, born out of the doggedness that defines Limerick & its cultural output.

Album opener Thoughts washes over you, a slew of guitar drives the track, the early vocal mantra hovering in the ether, urged on by eclectic drum patterns. All is Moderate is possibly the most Windings-like entry on the album (no bad thing), a captivating melodic track with intricate, spellbinding guitar-work. Ing Ya concludes an impressive opening gambit with a track that’s rich in riffs and pulsating rhythms, accompanied by a delightfully playful piano that dances throughout.

Other standouts include Charm Offensive, a track that’s practically made for the live stage, a stunning sonic whirlwind that pulls you in each and every direction. Smart Casual serves up a biting commentary, a relentless incendiary indictment repeating “You do nothing” set against a swooping soundtrack. Meanwhile, Drops seductively lures you into its intimately claustrophobic grip.

The album concludes with the epic Watertown, which brims with defiance, “There’s nothing to fear, I welcome their hatred, I welcome their hate”. But there’s nothing to hate here. With their debut album, SWEETS have proven on this occasion, that the sum of their parts add up to something quite special indeed.