Swill cover

Swill

Ten Foot Pole · 1993

30 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk

Fast-paced hardcore punk riffs collide with sharp, sardonic lyrics, creating an exhilarating and chaotic sonic experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    People Like You — The opening track sets a frenetic pace and introduces the album's biting humor with its critique of societal norms.
  • →
    Skywalker — This track showcases the band's ability to combine melodic hooks with fast tempos, making it an anthem of youthful rebellion.
  • →
    Ultimatum — With its urgent delivery and pointed lyrics, this track encapsulates the intense emotions prevalent throughout the album.
  • →
    Joy to the World — This reinterpretation of a classic adds a playful twist to the album, blending humor with punk energy in a unique way.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic riffs with clever lyrics, creating a solid yet familiar hardcore punk sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first six songs before a slight dip in tempo.
  • Many tracks feature rapid shifts in dynamics, with verses that build tension leading into explosive choruses.
  • The lyrics often employ sharp wit and social commentary, delivered with an aggressive vocal style that complements the instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quick bursts of energy
  • sharply defined anthemic moments
  • for spontaneous gatherings
  • cathartic release through intensity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, drawn-out compositions
  • seek mellow, relaxed vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1993, 'Swill' was Ten Foot Pole's third studio album, following their 1992 release 'Rev'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the hardcore punk scene, moving towards a more polished sound while still retaining the raw energy that characterized their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
Pennywise· Lagwagon· NOFX

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 People Like You 1:40
  • 2 Skywalker 2:10
  • 3 Pete's Shoes 2:19
  • 4 Life 3:15
  • 5 Home 2:26
  • 6 Ultimatum 3:24
  • 7 Forward 1:23
  • 8 Third World Girl 3:21
  • 9 Pete's Underwear 1:19
  • 10 School 1:33
  • 11 Man in the Corner 1:51
  • 12 Racer X 2:25
  • 13 Joy to the World 3:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata