Episode 276 - Flood by Headswim

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Let’s take a trip back to 1994, when Chris was 13 (Mark was 7), and he was busy creating custom Headswim t-shirts around Stirling while discovering the brilliance of that band's debut album.

The album in question was "Flood," and it left a profound impression on Chris. While we often discuss the albums that have influenced us, it's uncommon for us to bring one of these into the Unsung spotlight.

So, let's dive right in: On this album, Headswim was a grunge band, with added psychedelic influences, haunting Faith No More-esque keyboard elements, and occasional Black Sabbath riffs. The record showcased a band brimming with genuine potential. In a music landscape saturated with grunge acts imitating Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, or Alice in Chains, Headswim offered a surprisingly refreshing alternative.

However, their trajectory took a turn. Following the tragic loss of a band member's brother, they made a comeback in 1997 with their second album, "Despite Yourself." Although it received some comparisons to Radiohead at the time, the majority of the album epitomized the generic indie rock sound of the late '90s.

And that was essentially the end of their journey. Apart from a single released in 2000 titled "Dusty Road," the band gradually faded into obscurity. That is, until the recent re-release of "Flood" in 2022.

So, the question arises: Is this album a forgotten gem or merely another grunge record best left in the past? Tune in and discover the answer!