Can't Swim "Thanks But No Thanks" Review

There’s always been something unique and special about Can’t Swim. Since their inception, the New Jersey band has had a knack for seamlessly pairing pummeling down-tuned guitar riffs with anthemic pop-punk melodies that feel like they were ripped from the airwaves in a former life. As they’ve progressed through their career, the band has never stopped pushing the limits of their sound - always seeming to try to make a more visceral listen each and every time. And while not every release has been widely received as a hit, the band has always maintained a hunger in their songwriting that oozes from each recording.

The band’s newest offering Thanks But No Thanks is a departure in this regard. Can’t Swim - previously unable to be restrained from trying whatever idea inspired them in that moment - has finally managed to find their way back into their comfort zone. And while this return to form is welcome in most respects, it’s hard at times to shake the feeling that this is the sound of a band conceding to meet expectations.

This is not to say this album is a disappointment - it is truly quite far from that. The opening trio of tracks “Nowhere, Ohio”, “’can you help me?’”, and “me vs me vs all of ya’ll” work together to culminate in an incredibly strong start to the record, playing to Can’t Swim’s strengths while seemingly drawing heavily from the sound of debut EP Death Deserves a Name. Lead single “i heard they found you face down inside your living room” is one of the highest points of the band’s career - a heartbreaking song about missing a friend taken too soon by their demons.

But it’s around this halfway point where the record as a whole starts to feel like the band is restraining itself. Multiple songs set themselves up to be highlights, only to be held back by choruses that fall short. “yer paradox i’m paradigm” is in large redeemed of this by its lyrical content upon first listen, but is then overshadowed a few tracks later by “ELIMINATE” - a blistering track that is equal parts poignant and pissed while never straying from the band’s core sound. This said, the worst moments on this record are simply not memorable, and the highlights do an excellent job of carrying the album. One example being found in title track “thx but no thx” - an ambient and reflective ballad that somehow manages to cohesively tie up an otherwise pummeling listening experience.

Thanks But No Thanks may very well be Can’t Swim’s most cohesive album to date and serves as a welcome return to form. While the results are a bit of a mixed bag, there are some serious highlights present in the tracklist that are sure to please longtime fans.

6.5/10