One of the more enigmatic bands of the classic 4AD era, Swallow, have announced the reissue of their first two albums, Blow and Blowback, packaged together with an additional two-track single (Sleepers) as a double LP + 12” / double CD entitled Blown, available from June 5. A chance for shoegaze fans to discover this forgotten gem from the 4AD catalogue, Blown is an essential but underrated body of work embracing the genre’s signature atmospheric layering of fuzzy guitar textures, accompanied by Louise Trehy’s beautiful and haunting vocals, creating hazy waves and swirls of luscious noise. Swallow was formed by Louise Trehy and Mike Mason in London in the early 90’s, signed by Ivo Watts-Russell after receiving a 4-song demo tape by post. Blow was originally released in July 1992, followed by Blowback in autumn of the same year, featuring new mixes and overdubs and released as a limited CDEP that quickly fell out of print, known only to the most fervent 4AD fans. Swallow parted ways with 4AD shortly after the release of Blowback, but their brief period with the label has been outlived by this cornerstone dream-pop classic which has until now been obscured by the mists of time and memory. With Blown, Swallow are reintroduced as an important force in the 4AD canon and the shoegaze genre, alongside their more well-known counterparts. The songs of Blown have been reconstructed from the original 24-track tape recordings and remixed; freshly remastered by Anne Taegart at Dubplates & Mastering Berlin; and lovingly presented in a brand-new package designed by longtime supporter Chris Bigg (v23) based on the original design by Vaughn Oliver.
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