Hampshire Indie Band Nears End of Summer Pub Tour

A Hampshire indie cover band has almost ended their summer pub tour.

'Swerve', first formed in winter 2023, has amassed regulars among its fan base in and around Hampshire.

The band members include Jake Brown on drums, Nathan Shears on lead guitar, Ben Baker on vocals and guitar and Tom Jefferson on bass.

The tour, which kicked off on Friday, 13th June, began in Portsmouth and has covered Gosport, Southsea, Eastleigh, Southampton, Andover and Fareham.

'Swerve' describes their sound as reminiscent of indie music, belonging particularly to the 2000s indie music scene.

Ben shared 'The certain sound that we go for is the indie 2000s, and if it's something a bit out of that, we try and make it fit into that sound'.

The set list includes transitions, a 'progressive rock' element and frequent medleys of well-known alternative indie and rock songs.

Swerve, who met via Facebook groups and social media pages, has been together for over two years and has been perfecting its set list ever since.

Despite the band having no musical background or related occupation, they intend to continue for the foreseeable future with bookings and gigs.

The band has no intention of slowing down or ruling out writing original songs or another pub tour.

Excited fans have been attending shows with handmade signs and favours such as 'Swerve has cured my depression'.  

The band, which started with open mics, has progressed massively, working up to bigger gigs, displaying their musicianship, portfolio and skills as a group.

Tom noted 'Every gig's a bit different, and always huge crowds’ and 'The gigs are getting bigger every week'

And that 'Getting the logo, I think, really put it together'.

Ben shared 'I think the difference between us [Swerve] and everyone else [other cover bands] is that we like to put more of a show on than just play songs'

'We like to do things to entertain the crowd and keep them engaged, make it more of a show than just another covers band'

Jake shared 'We've got a steady stream of bookings, we get repeat business from pubs. We work with a few agencies as well.'

The band would like to experiment with more ambient sounds in the future and add to their repertoire of indie songs.

Tom shared 'Playing towards a young crowd as well, you don't hear Gorillaz [for example]' and remarks that the likes of 'Sweet Caroline' and 'Come On Eileen' appear to trump in pubs for live music.

The band, who only have a few gigs left, welcome their newest Swerve fans to have fun and 'bring the energy'.

Ben shared 'There's gotta be songs you'll always like, and we're going to play them as good as possible for everybody that's coming, try and put on a show, make it a night to remember'

With only two gigs left to complete their summer pub tour, you can catch Swerve next at:

Forester Arms, Andover, on Friday 8th August

The Trinity Tavern, Fareham on Saturday 9th August

To follow them on Instagram

@swerve.gigs