Raise

Q - 3 Stars - Good - "...These nine tracks keep both adrenaline level high and dedication to beefy melody impressively unswerving, while vocalist/guitarist Adam Franklin's drug-fuelled stream of semi-consciousness lyrics actually brings welcome atmospherics to the party..." Entertainment Weekly - "..a surging wall of noise both exhilarating and remarkably cohesive...punchy tunes with hooks both musical and lyrical.." - Rating: B+ Magnet - "For sheer visceral wallop and brain-uncorking sizzle, RAISE remains one of the most kick-out-the-jams Brit-rock releases ever." Pitchfork - "1991's RAISE was a quality debut, and it's dated surprisingly well. The muscular, scorching guitars are the heart of the album, and they still bring the noise like nobody's business." Entertainment Weekly (12/20/91, p.72) - "..a surging wall of noise both exhilarating and remarkably cohesive...punchy tunes with hooks both musical and lyrical.." - Rating: B+ Q (7/96, p.148) - 3 Stars - Good - "...These nine tracks keep both adrenaline level high and dedication to beefy melody impressively unswerving, while vocalist/guitarist Adam Franklin's drug-fuelled stream of semi-consciousness lyrics actually brings welcome atmospherics to the party..." Magnet (p.110) - "For sheer visceral wallop and brain-uncorking sizzle, RAISE remains one of the most kick-out-the-jams Brit-rock releases ever." Pitchfork (Website) - "1991's RAISE was a quality debut, and it's dated surprisingly well. The muscular, scorching guitars are the heart of the album, and they still bring the noise like nobody's business."

The debut full-length album by Swervedriver, 1991's RAISE presented the British alt-rock ensemble as one of the most aggressive acts to be sheltered under the shoegazer umbrella. Led by singer/guitarist Adam Franklin, the band alternately calls to mind the Stooges (the snarling guitars on "Son of Mustang Ford") and Slowdive (the dreamy passages of "Sandblasted") as it warms up for its assured sophomore outing, MEZCAL HEAD.|