Pedestrians beware: Swervedriver returns!

Truth be told, My Bloody Valentine was the only first-tier shoegaze act. Kevin Shields and his gloomy pals defined the aesthetic, ripping open a chasm in the UK music scene into which several ensuing bands fell. Along with Ride and Slowdive, Swervedriver was among the best of the second-tier. With ragged guitars, car-obsessed lyrics and an air of lovely hipster detachment, Swervedriver carved out its own little niche in the early '90s with albums like Raise (1991) and Mezcal Head (1993). However, like most of the shoegazers who never recorded Loveless, Swervedriver drifted into obscurity as a band of a fixed time and scene (just look at that hair!).

Here's the news, then: pull out your old baggy pants and start studying the floor, because Swervedriver has announced plans for a reunion early next year, following a decade-long hiatus. There are no dates set just yet, but group frontman Adam Franklin continues to tour in support of his recent solo debut, Bolts of Melody. Founding Swervedriver guitarist Jimmy Hartridge and the longtime rhythm section of Steve George (bass) and the mysterious Jez (drums) will join Franklin sometime after his current tour concludes.

Remaining Franklin dates:

October
19 - Milwaukee, Wisc. @ Cactus Club
20 - Ypsilanti, Mich. @ Elbow Room
21 - Columbus, Ohio @ Andyman's Treehouse
22 - Cleveland, Ohio @ Beachland Ballroom
24 - Buffalo, N.Y. @ Mohawk Place
25 - Toronto, Ontario @ Drake Hotel
26 - Ottawa, Ontario @ Zaphods
27 - Montreal, Quebec @ Le National*
28 - New York, N.Y. @ Mercury Lounge