Steve Queralt Swallow
Steve Queralt's Swallow arrives as a quietly ambitious record that privileges mood and texture over instant hooks, and critics point to its cinematic scope and contemplative songwriting as the album's chief strengths. Across professional reviews the consensus score sits at 70/100 from one review, signaling a generally favorable but reserved reception for a collection built around atmosphere and shoegaze-influenced dreaminess. Critics consistently highlight the immersive tracks as the standout moments rather than radio-ready singles.
Reviewers praise songs such as “Swiss Air” and “Lonely Town” as the best songs on Swallow, noting how layered guitars, drifting synths and a guest turn by Emma Anderson on “Swiss Air” create the record's emotional center. Other notable cuts like “Mission Creep”, “High Teens” and “A Porsche Shaped Hole” earn mention for contributing to the album's brooding ambience and introspective lyricism. Across the review, critics agree that the record favors immersive, cinematic arrangements over immediate sing-along moments, rewarding repeated listens.
While some reviewers find the emphasis on atmosphere makes the record less immediate, the prevailing critical consensus frames Swallow as a rewarding, mood-driven work that cements Queralt's role as an architect of textured, introspective pop. For those wondering whether Swallow is worth listening to, the score and critique suggest a compelling, if understated, addition to his catalog worthy of close, attentive plays.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
Swiss Air
1 mention
"“Swiss Air” featuring Emma Anderson of Lush, shimmer with a familiar warmth"— Under The Radar
Lonely Town
1 mention
"Songs such as “Lonely Town” and “Swiss Air” featuring Emma Anderson of Lush, shimmer with a familiar warmth"— Under The Radar
Mission Creep
1 mention
"textured, atmospheric hum"— Under The Radar
“Swiss Air” featuring Emma Anderson of Lush, shimmer with a familiar warmth
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Mission Creep
Lonely Town
High Teens
A Porsche Shaped Hole
Swiss Air
I Don’t Know How To Sing
Messengers
1988
Motor Boats
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 1 critic who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
On Swallow Steve Queralt stakes a claim as a quiet architect of noteworthy sound, where the best songs, like “Lonely Town” and “Swiss Air”, shimmer with warmth and brooding ambiance. The record glides between poignant and vibrant passages, favoring immersive textures over pop hooks, so the best tracks are those that build cinematic atmosphere rather than immediate sing-along moments. Queralt’s use of layered guitars and synths, and the guest turn by Emma Anderson on “Swiss Air”, help make these songs stand out as the album’s emotional center. Listening for the album’s best songs on Swallow means seeking out its most enveloping, melancholic moments rather than its liveliest beats.
Key Points
-
The best song is best because guest vocals and layered instrumentation give “Swiss Air” a warming, cinematic centerpiece.
-
The album’s core strength is its immersive atmosphere and textured, dreamlike soundscapes rather than conventional pop hooks.