By Sage Spirk, Contributor

[ONErpm; 2025]

Rating: 7/10

Key Tracks: “Kiss,” “Passenger,” “Forget It” 

On Aug. 22, indie rock band Sir Chloe released their second studio album, Swallow the Knife, via ONErpm Records. In recent years, the band has been leaning into a grungier sound, which fans heard glimpses of with their 2023 album I Am The Dog. Now, Sir Chloe commits to a dreamy yet heavy sound with this 11-track record that has somewhat of a ‘90s feel, marked by fuzzy guitar tones and Dana Foote’s powerful voice. 

Read more: Single Review: Tame Impala – “Loser”

Swallow the Knife has an energetic opening with “The Hole,” a song that is distinct in that it is the most poppy out of the tracklist – a false advertisement. It’s almost intentionally generic, both lyrically and instrumentally, with Foote using the basic metaphor of being in a “hole” to describe being in a rut. It is not an accurate representation of Foote’s true lyrical genius, yet it’s catchy all the same and an effective hook. Instead, look towards notable tracks such as “Passenger” and “Holy” to not only be impressed by the instrumental composition, but by the abstract themes Foote employs in each chorus and verse. 

Exploring “Passenger,” Foote sings, “Ooh, what do I do?/ It happened then, but I still have the wound/ Ooh, it’s no, no use/ My passenger, you ruin my perfume/ There’s no night left/ I lost my chance.” Her imagery here is unique and more important than discerning the actual meaning; this entire song evokes a dire feeling with Foote’s crooning vocals. “Holy” is another strong contender in the lyrical department as Foote uses biblical metaphors: “I am a holy man, you are my God/ I worship at the ground your shoes have trod/ Pull the thread, I’m coming undone/ Tenderness, I show no one.”

“Kiss” stands out with its sheer ferocity. Somehow, Sir Chloe manages to create an outro more iconic than the verse, chorus or bridge. The mantra of “Revenge/ I don’t want love, I want revenge” is repeated four times to close the song: strong and powerful. Foote delivers it with a punch in her voice that easily makes it one of the more defining tracks on the album. In addition, “Forget It” is unique in that it channels its ferocity in its bridge, with a shout of “Ridе, can we take it down the Wеst Side?/ Wanna hear you singing all night/ Recognize you in the red light/ Sit, make it real, make me forget.” Foote’s layered vocals that challenge the roar of an electric guitar make for a lively and full sound that calls back to that ‘90s grunge feel.

Finally, “Candy” brings us to a much-needed lull. It’s slow, melodic and cushioned by a hazy and soft guitar line absent of any other accompanying instruments. Foote thematically sings of sweetness, candy and aching teeth, completed by a repeated series of “ooh’s” and “ah’s” that gently close the record. 

Swallow the Knife is a testament to Sir Chloe’s evolving sound. It balances tranquility with aggression, something the band has slowly been perfecting since their early work. If this kind of dynamic sound intrigues you, be sure to check out the album and catch Sir Chloe on tour in the coming months.