The Swagger - NEW single 'Loaded Gun'- Review

May 25, 20202 min read

Lee Stevens a singer/songwriter frontman of a band called THE SWAGGER - an original 4-piece Grit-rock band from Hornsey, London UK approached Mods Of Your Generation asking if I would consider reviewing their new single/video 'Loaded Gun' which is planned for release on the 25th May 2020.

He kindly sent me the track and video to listen and view. I was overwhelmed by the lyrics, but more touching was the video that accompanied it.

"Highlighting a soldier who is suffering from PTSD due to the scars brought on by war who turns to alcoholism, develops relationship problems struggling to deal with its effects. This ultimately led to him ending up on the streets and becoming homeless. The story continues with the soldier receiving support through counselling and starts to get his life back on track and is eventually reunited with his family"

The Swagger was born in 2011 and so far they have released one EP (July 2016) and three singles. During the past few years they have grown as a band, their music highlights the daily struggles of everyday life which instantly allows you to be connected to the lyrics. They adopt a very British sound with influences such as Oasis and many others from the Britpop era but with a slice of punk attitude thrown in. Many readers will probably say "But they are not mod and it doesn't matter I wanted to raise awareness and help raise money for a worthy cause though a positive message. The feeling of the message in the music being all that matters. Highlighting real issues effecting real people is what I personally enjoy about music.

I have always been keen to raise awareness and money in aid of charities supporting and helping ex service personnel. Understanding the struggles and witnessing first-hand accounts while understanding the difficulties veterans face after leaving the military. Many of them finding themselves on the streets, whether due to mental health, financial or relationship problems.

After watching the video, I approached Lee with the idea to use the video message to raise awareness and raise money for charity in a bid to help our forgotten heroes.

We agreed the best charity to donate a sum of the proceeds from the downloads of the track would be to Soldiers off the Street an independent charity that work with all veterans from all military forces past and present. Working with other charities that will help rehome or treat homeless veterans as long as they genuinely have the veteran’s best interests at heart as they do.

Collectively Lee, the whole band and I are privileged to support the charity which does so much for our veterans.