Project Description

The Swamp Stompers.

THE SWAMP STOMPERS
‘The Swamp Stompers’
Album Review

(4th October 2021)

Review by Melanie Griffiths

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The Swamp Stompers

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“Like a cold glass of water in the middle of a hot summers night.” 4.5/5 Star Review – Nkechi Anele, Triple J ‘Roots n All’

‘‘Catchy grooves, intelligent songs and youthful hunger – this band has the right mix of potions to take Australian blues and roots to the next level. One of my absolute favourites.’’  Lloyd Spiegel (Australian Blues Legend)

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When you listen to an artist’s debut you hope to hear not just a solid collection of songs but a real sense of what the artist is about. The Swamp Stompers debut self-titled album delivers this in spades. Their first album is a swag of songs that roots and blues fans are going to find irresistible, hell even if you just like tapping your foot you are going to find something you’ll love on this album.

The trio originally from Lismore NSW have been together for a decade gigging at many roots festivals around the country and are well known for their ability to whip a crowd up with their mix of funk, blues and rock. It’s kind of astonishing to think that it’s taken this long to put out their first album but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.


Fly
This album has been 10 years in the making so it seems only fitting that it starts epically. Within half a minute the intro to “Fly” lays bare what The Swamp Stompers are about. A distant didgeridoo announces the song before a rollicking blues guitar riff kicks in. High energy and punchy, “Fly” is about throwing off the everyday shackles and letting go. It’s a classic blues-rock anthem in the making and sets the bar high for the rest of the album. If you’re new to The Swamp Stompers then this is a solid introduction, familiar-sounding but still with a lot of flourishes that give off heaps of personality.

Goin’ Down South
The road trip vibe continues with “Goin’ Down South” a funky little dance track that gets you nodding along and tapping that foot before you even realise you’re doing it. This is a new song in their repertoire and it gives a glimpse into how well versed this group is in playing live. Much of the album has that looser feel that allows for more experimenting and sitting in the music. “Goin’ Down South” is all of that, sounding like an informal jam more than a heavily produced track.

Boom Boom
So nothing oozes the exceptionally cool charm of blues-rock more than John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom”. It’s an ambitious rendition by The Swamp Stompers and they manage to pull it off with all the attitude and sassy edge that Hooker’s original had. The guitars are gritty in this version and the choruses are much brasher which only an Aussie group with enough experience like theirs could attempt. The vocals vibrate with a hint of allure as they croon “I love that talk. That baby talk. You knock me dead.” Overall, it’s hard to resist the charms of this version.

Argentinian Woman
Another new track and this is where things get a little more dirty and rough. Argentinian Woman is the lament of a man who is unable to stop falling for a seductive South American woman. “Argentian woman, si, si, si, si, si. Argentinian Woman she’s gonna make a fool out of me.” The thumping drums hit on the beat like a racing heart, and whilst there’s not a whole of depth to the lyrics with the music conveying all the want and desire that thrums through the song. The song is similar in tone to Santana’s “Black Magic Woman”.

Hey (2021 Remix)
“Hey” is an older song that featured on their previous EP 2018’s Shadows On The Wall that has been remixed for inclusion on this album. Right off the bat, it’s immediately noticeable the change in their sound from 3 years ago. This song featuring more soulful harmonies and a harder rock edge that could be compared to old material from The Black Crowes. Its inclusion is a good choice showing us another facet to their rock-blues persona and sets up the second act of album for a rockier affair.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Marching to the beat of their own drum The Swamp Stompers offer us “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back” a foot-stomping song that barrels along with driving purpose.

Shadows On The Wall
Another track and the title song from their 2018 EP “Shadows On The Wall” is a hazy tune that muses over how relationships change with the passage of time. Again the evolution of their music is evident with this being their most pop-driven song off the album. There is hooky guitar that keeps you enthralled and the changes in tempo make it all that more interesting. The band squeezes out every bit of raw alluring emotion in the song to create a a sexy and bittersweet song.

Medusa The Seducer
Themes of female seduction reoccur throughout the album and “Medusa The Seducer” is another song about falling under the charms of a siren. Apparently, this song is a crowd favourite and it’s easy to imagine why. The arrangement lends itself to a live performance and has an edge of bad-assness making it one of the more powerful songs on the album. Sliding guitars and a blues rhythm create a moody tone as we’re warned against Medusa.

Black & Blue (Chain cover)
If you like blues music that rattles your bones you are going to like “Black & Blue”, a cover from the legendary Aussie blues band Chain. It’s a dark beast of a song with its big guitars, wailing backing vocals and the steady beat of the drums. Black & Blue tells the story of a convict stuck on a chain gang missing his old life but defiantly refusing to break. It’s a great slice of Australian blues history and The Swamp Stompers make it their own like they’re playing for their lives.

The Game Of Life
The Game Of Life lets the group get a little swagger into their step with this simmering roots song. The song deals with the central theme of “are you living for tomorrow or living for today?” in the game of life. Given the way the band attacks this song, they’re living in the moment. It ebbs and flows between melodic verse and chorus before changing tempo with a blistering bridge.

You Know You Got It (Feel Alright)
But let’s not get too stuck in the malaise because this band is intent in keeping you grooving as their end goal. As soon as this song starts, you know this song is likely to end up a favourite. A funky guitar intro is then followed by some very tasty hooks as we’re told “you feel alright”. This would sit righteously next to any of Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals’ or The John Butler Trio’s song. This is the song to get you in the mood for a warm summer night.

Make Hay While the Sun Shines
What The Swamp Stompers do so well is exude confidence that radiates a cool swagger. As if their sense of rhythm and blues is all second nature to them. “Make Hay While The Sun Shines” is all of this and a little more. It’s a track that shows off the power of their playing and ability to master a deep groove into song. This is the kind the song that points to a group forged through practice and live performance in a way that just makes what they do all sound effortless.

Wishing I Had You (2021 Re-mix)
The band closes out the album with a rollicking rock track that brings together all the raw energy of a group that is known for its high energy shows. Their debut album has done a great job at capturing not only that live vibe whilst allowing the group’s personality to shine through. “Wishing I Had You” is the type of song you’d put on as you race down the highway towards the horizon on your way to a new adventure. Rather than a swan song, it’s a celebratory fist pump in the air for all they’ve achieved.


The Swamp Stompers will now take this album out on tour which unfortunately will also be their farewell. After a decade together they’ve decided to part ways but not before going on a European and Australian tour next year. Get yourself acquainted with this trio because if this album is anything to go by their live show is one you won’t forget.

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About THE SWAMP STOMPERS

The Swamp Stompers play funky rock and blues with heavy grooves. Emerging from the dirty backwaters of NSW, the band sounds like the musical lovechild of John Butler Trio, Led Zeppelin, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, with catchy guitar riffs and didgeridoo soundscapes setting this original blues-rock trio apart from the pack.

The Swamp Stompers have been stomping their mark on prominent Australian festivals since 2012, including recent stand out performances at Blues on Broadbeach (QLD) and Queenscliff Music Festival (VIC). The band is renowned for their incredibly high-energy live shows, with punters and peers left in complete awe by their raw power and finesse.

The band’s 2018 single ‘Shadows on the Wall’ received regular airplay on Triple J, while the ‘Shadows on the Wall’ EP peaked at #8 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart and landed at #8 on the AMRAP Regional Community Radio Chart. The Swamp Stompers debut 13-track album was released today, on 28th September 2021.

After 10 years together, The Swamp Stompers will be breaking up. A European farewell tour is planned for May 2022 and an Australian farewell tour will take place in late 2022, completing the final jewel in the touring crown for one of Australia’s most popular young blues-rock bands.

Corey Legge (lead guitarist and lead vocalist of The Swamp Stompers) is proudly endorsed by Cole Clark guitars (Melbourne, VIC, Australia)

The Swamp Stompers are proudly endorsed by Hippie Sticks Tie-Dye (Bodalla, NSW, Australia)

The Swamp Stompers are proudly endorsed by Buzz Box Guitars (Sydney, NSW, Australia)

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Buy the album now via The Swamp Stompers website and JBHiFi

The Swamp Stompers

TRACKLIST:

1. Fly
2. Goin’ Down South
3. Boom Boom [John Lee Hooker – Cover]
4. Argentinian Woman
5. Hey (2021 Re-Mix)
6. One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
7. Shadows on the Wall (2021 Re-Master)
8. Medusa the Seducer
9. Black & Blue [Chain – Cover]
10. The Game of Life
11. You Know You Got It (Feel Alright)
12. Make Hay While the Sun Shines
13. Wishing I Had You (2021 Re-Mix)

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The Swamp Stompers.

Follow THE SWAMP STOMPERS
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AMNPLIFY – DB



Recent Press Release (below) HERE

THE SWAMP STOMPERS
release debut album today
Tuesday 28th September

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AMNPLIFY – DB