Women in rock music is such an uncommon sight, but a great one. My first thought going into “Swell” by The Fool’s Agenda? Rhiannon (and yes indeed, I did say Rhiannon) is about to show us all how women can rock. If you’re interested in bands like the Runaways, or The Cranberries, even Blondie, this one's for you. The track begins with an intense build up to the guitar riff, held down by the master of headbanging, Conor and his shredding partner in crime, Kyle. The bopping drum beat mastered by Kamryn reminds me of the Runaways take on Lou Reed’s Rock N Roll; it just makes you want to rock.
Won’t stop spinning ‘till the well runs dry.
They can’t hear you when you cry.
Trip them out of mind,
Leave the world behind.
Seriously, this rocker lady named after a Fleetwood Mac song is budding with the lyricism of a true rockstar. The execution is intelligent. The lyrics imply that this isn’t a happy song, but you just want to rock out, like it’s all you’ve got left to do in this world. That bass line bumpin behind her, slapped out by Jon, is exactly that: bumpin and rockin’.
Swell, baby, swell!
Hide your thoughts away.
It’ll all be well again
By the light of day.
This chorus is CATCHY. Makes you wanna scream the words, and it makes you want to dance, which is always the best feeling finding a new favorite song to listen to. I always love a song that gets my energy and feelings out, but still leaves me feeling good in the end. This is it. The lyrics aren’t always sunshine and rainbows but the message is one that you can resonate with and can channel the energy into.
All the leaves are turning brown
Whispers whipping thoughts around.
Remember how they made you feel
It’s all a dream, it isn’t real.
Find your mirth in the bottom of it all.
Rhiannon gets right into the grit of this song’s meaning. As the song’s sole lyricist (and most of their upcoming projects), there’s no cover up; it’s all raw. Up front and looking at her, she is a sweet hearted forest nymph, but inside there’s that rock n roll spark. She’s ready to sing it and tell it like it is. It may get dirty, it may get raunchy, but she’s ready. The dudes she’s got behind her are also just as ready to be right there for her.
Digging into the bridge and focusing on the instrumentalists at hand, these guys have some major talent. The guitar solo is epic. Conor and Kyle take us away, like that true classic rock sound is supposed to during a solo, and the other two are keeping right up with them. Kam is wailing on those drums, and Jon finishes the bridge off with a little solo of his own, before breaking into another build up, and final thrust of the hook for the track.
Overall, this is easily a favorite, no question. Rhiannon (aka Raini) and the guys of The Fool’s Agenda are ready to rock the house down this summer of 2021, and this first single is only the beginning. If I’m jumping up and down now, I might be doing backflips by the time the final project is out... Whenever that is.... Be sure to listen to “Swell” by The Fool’s Agenda now, on all streaming services!