February 19, 2008

MAD Dragon Records' The Swimmers will release their debut on the student-run record label on March 4th. The album will be distributed nationally through Ryko/Warner. Reminiscent of 60's British pop, the Philadelphia-based quartet hint at influences such as the Kinks and the Velvet Underground and draw comparisons to contemporaries The Arcade Fire, Spoon and The New Pornographers.

In addition to numerous tour dates all over the country (see schedule here), the band will perform at the SXSW Festival in Austin, TX on March 14th and 15th.

Fighting Trees was recorded and mixed at Miner Street Studios, home of renowned Philadelphia producer Brian McTear (Matt Pond PA, Danielson, Mazarin). Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Man Man) contributed additional tracking and the rest was recorded in Swimmers frontman Steve Yutzy-Burkey's home studio. The resulting record thoughtfully expands on the indie-rock aesthetic, trading in the patented gurgling vocals marred in reverb for crystal-clear melodies and choruses that wouldn't sound out of place on the Beatles' Revolver. The sound of Fighting Trees has earned the band a spot on Magnet's "Ten to Watch" list for the coming year.

For more information: www.maddragonrecords.com