Reviews

"Fast Train" reviews:

“Fast Train is a hugely impressive debut that shows The Swaps are as accomplished in a studio as they are on a stage... Brooks clearly a star in the making” folking.com (FULL REVIEW)

"A beautifully crafted selection, every sweet taste a pleasure... Beth’s vocals are sublime, the guitars a perfect canvas for the intriguing lyrics" SLAP Magazine (FULL REVIEW)

"Live at Upton" reviews:

“Beth is the star that shines brightly, magic in that voice…as the guitars intertwine impeccably... She has one of those remarkable timbres that lingers in the mind” Blues in Britain magazine

“The guitar playing by James Knight and Adam Phillips is awe-inspiring... Acoustic music at its very best” Blues Matters magazine

Audience reaction to seeing The Swaps for the first time:

“Beth is one of the finest vocalists to have crossed my path, and I was hypnotised by this astonishing songstress from start to finish”

“A brilliant acoustic trio”

“They just blew us out with a ‘stop me in my tracks’ performance. James Knight & Adam Phillips were brilliant with guitar, humour and singing but I have to be honest the shock was when Beth Brooks sang, crikey what a stunning voice and kept me and it seems everyone else captivated for the whole night”

“Her voice, paired with Adam and James' musicianship, created a beautifully cohesive sound that was mesmerising to witness. The trio writes all their own material, and they had no shortage of songs, delivering two packed sets of absolute gems.”

“It quickly became apparent why they had garnered so many award nominations.”

“Beth Brooks’ stunning vocals, beautifully accompanied by the skilled guitar work of James Knight and Adam Phillips”

“The Swaps are a cracking band”

<<<<<THE SWAPS

LIVE AT UPTON BLUES FESTIVAL

The Upton Blues Festival first graced the beautiful landscape of Worcestershire in 2001. It has drawn many great bands and artists over the years, making it one of the most successful Festivals in the UK. In 2024, The Swaps brought their own unique Roots/Blues music and thankfully, they had the presence of mind to record their set for this live album. The Swaps are Beth Brooks, Vocals, Adam Phillips, Guitar, and James Knight, Guitar and Vocals. They are based in Leamington Spa, which is not exactly a million miles away from Upton. All eight songs on the album were written by the band and highlight the band's influences. The opening track kind of threw me for a second because when a band opens a set at a festival, it’s usually a grab-you-by-the-throat type of song. This album is very different from the norm, and I find that very appealing. Wolf is the opening song, a very mellow, laid-back tune, but one that shows the incredible talent that this band has in spades. Each song takes you down the Folk/Blues trail, and a very welcome trail it is, Beth Brooks sounds silkier and smoother with each vocal performance and harmonizes so well with James Knight. As this is an acoustic album, I must say that the guitar playing by James Knight and Adam Phillips is awe-inspiring. Negativity leans slightly more towards the Blues side of the scale, guitar picking, and acoustic music at its very best. Listening to this album has made me feel so relaxed, and so appreciative of Roots, Folk, and Acoustic Blues. There will be a new studio album released in 2025, Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

STEPHEN HARRISON