The Guardian (Music)

‘A Lot of Late 70s Bands Wore Grey. But We Were Determined to Have Fun’: The Return of the Mega-Influential...

Swell Maps, the pioneering DIY punk outfit from the late 1970s, have issued *Swell Maps C21*, their first studio album since 1980. The project is spearheaded by 69‑year‑old founder Jowe Head, who assembled a new lineup featuring former Television Personalities members and collaborators like Luke Haines. The release blends unfinished archival songs with fresh compositions, aiming to extend the band’s experimental spirit. Critics note the band’s historic influence on acts such as Sonic Youth and Pavement.