Mishima - Stop Swerving

  by John Clarkson

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

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Review

Mishima’s debut single ‘ Stop Swerving’ is a record of both power and strength. Strictly limited to five hundred copies, and available on seven inch vinyl only, it is the work of guitarist and lead singer, Arto Payaslian, and drummer, Sean O’ Brien, an unconventional but dynamic Boston duo, who have the force and sound of a regular band. The literate and thought-provoking ’Stop Swerving’ is reminiscent of acts such as ‘Pavement’, ‘Husker Du’, ‘Sugar’ and the ‘Blur’ of ‘13’ with its robustness and sense of tight, claustrophobic urgency, and is about a boy on a road trip with his parents who is watching their relationship falter and become increasingly strained. Payaslian's tense, resonating guitarwork and O’ Brien’s matter-of-fact, unpretentious drumming have an infectious, compelling edge, and the raw energy of the tune and the group’s obvious enthusiasm make this intelligent, lively song both a moving and an exhilarating experience. The B side ‘Familar Marks’ is similar in style and carries an equally strong tune and lyrics, but allows more of a voice to O’ Brien’s harmonious backing vocals. More optimistic and up-beat in tone, it is about someone scarred, but in recuperation looking positively to the future, and hoping that someone special will soon enter his life. Unsettling and nervy, but also passionate and emotional, ‘Stop Swerving’ is a first release of outstanding and mesmerising quality.

Track Listing:-

1 Stop Swerving,
2 Familiar Marks