Swimmer One - The Regional Variations

There are a few remarkable albums that sonically embrace technology while simultaneously displaying cynicism, paranoia and claustrophobia at certain aspects of the modern world. The Regional Variations is one such release and joins counterparts The Sophtware Slump and OK Computer in pulling it off so marvellously, the listener comes out the other side reshaped and bizarrely, feeling healthier for hearing it. Swimmer One's Andrew Eaton recently told Billy Hamilton, "You can't be truly happy unless you understand what it's like to be utterly miserable." From the blatant despair of But My Heart Is Broken ("I hate life"), to the craving for spurned individuality ("I liked you more when you looked like no one else on the planet") on The Dark Ages, despondency is a familiar theme. On an electro-wave of bass and synths, however, comes a blinding glimmer of hope. "It feels like the earth could be moved if we just shoved hard", gushes album centrepiece Regional. When put so wonderfully, Swimmer One make you think anything is possible. Perhaps not the cheeriest record of the year, but certainly one of the best, Regional Variations will break your heart given half a chance. [Finbarr Bermingham]