Raise

The debut full-length album by Swervedriver, 1991's RAISE presented the British alt-rock ensemble as one of the most aggressive acts to be sheltered under the shoegazer umbrella. Led by singer/guitarist Adam Franklin, the band alternately calls to mind the Stooges (the snarling guitars on "Son of Mustang Ford") and Slowdive (the dreamy passages of "Sandblasted") as it warms up for its assured sophomore outing, MEZCAL HEAD.