Phoenix-based Celtic folk-punk band Swainn Releases Timeless re-Master

Under a Willow Tree (2023 Remaster) by Phoenix-based Celtic folk-punk band Swainn, formerly known as Cockswain, bursts with new life, capturing both the band’s exuberant spirit and its dynamic range. In this high-definition remaster, Swainn has polished an already beloved collection, bringing its rollicking energy and raw emotion into sharper focus. Fans of Swainn’s blend of Celtic charm and punk ferocity will find the remaster a feast of clinking glasses, tapping toes, and evocative storytelling.

The album opens with “Voices,” a thunderous introduction that wastes no time in setting the tone. Neil Jay Ward’s gritty vocals meet Mandy Lubking’s searing fiddle lines, a combination that serves as the album’s heartbeat. This track, like much of the album, thrives on a lively tension between Lubking’s fiddle, which sings of Celtic heritage, and Ward’s edgy delivery. The remaster intensifies the band’s distinctive sound, layering in a clarity and fullness that make it easy to envision a crowded pub raising glasses to the beat.

“Bag of Bones” is another standout track, with bassist Rob MacIntosh’s newfound lines adding an infectious bounce that feels like an anthem ready for a summer music festival. The song’s irresistible rhythm invites listeners to move, conjuring images of fans swaying and stomping along in the glow of festival lights. MacIntosh’s bass pulses through the track, grounding the fiddle’s soaring melodies and adding a sense of nostalgia wrapped in newfound vibrance.

While Swainn’s rowdy, pub-ready sound dominates, the album’s quieter moments offer unexpected depth. “Home” is a surprisingly tender track that gives Ward’s vocals room to soften and connect. Lubking’s fiddle takes on a melodic sweetness here, weaving around the ambient sounds of crickets. It’s a moment that feels grounded in Swainn’s roots, offering a gentle, introspective breather that contrasts beautifully with the album’s high-energy soundscapes.

On “Take Action,” Swainn proves they’re more than just rowdy pub music. This socially conscious track showcases the band’s range, pairing an acoustic arrangement with lyrics that encourage reflection without losing the catchiness that characterizes their music. Ward’s vocals are both urgent and sincere, buoyed by guitar and fiddle lines that blend message and melody seamlessly.

The momentum spikes again with “Sink or Float,” a song where Lubking’s fiddle practically sprints, giving the track a propulsive energy. Balanced by MacIntosh’s driving bassline, the song exudes a foot-stomping energy that Swainn’s live fans know well.

The album’s finale, “Another Drinking Song,” is exactly what fans might hope for—a last call to join the band in a spirited, good-natured celebration. With lyrics that seem to beckon listeners to raise a glass, the track captures the warmth and camaraderie that make Swainn’s music feel like a party.

This 2023 remaster, polished by Abbey Road engineer Sean Magee, brings a new depth without sacrificing Swainn’s gritty authenticity. However, the album’s reliance on Celtic-punk conventions does occasionally feel a bit predictable, with some tracks treading familiar territory. Despite this, Under a Willow Tree offers enough range to keep listeners engaged from start to finish.

Under a Willow Tree (2023 Remaster) is a lively tribute to Celtic heritage and punk spirit, balancing celebration with reflection. For those seeking a spirited, genre-blending experience, Swainn’s latest offering is a boisterous, feel-good adventure that’s hard to resist.

Nicole Killian