Above and Beneath Organic and Creative

After investigating the liner notes of "Above and Beneath," I came across the statement "This album was made without synthesizers." This struck me as odd, seeing as how synthesizers are rife among today's composers and songwriters; they're the norm, the standard. And after just one spin, "Above and Beneath" proved that music, sans synthesizers, can be something more than folk. "Above and Beneath" is organic, sometimes folky, sometimes funky, but always good. If comparisons do any justice, swim is a band that creates and encompasses sounds like that of the musical nuances and ingenuities of Sting.

All songs are written and produced by the lead singer, Joshua Kobak. Kobak not only is a singer/songwriter, musician, and producer, but he is also an actor. His theatre training does show its roots a bit in his songs through his phrasing and his strong voice - almost as if, in some instances, his songs were mini-musicals wandering around without costumes and scenic backdrops. And, believe it or not, it works.

"Above and Beneath" could give a fresh outlook on pop music if enough people listen. It's not over-produced, whiny, dull, or insensitive. Just as swim's liner notes conclude: "Learn and teach swimming!"