Amid the thriving grunge scene of the late ’80s, few bands embodied the raw energy of Seattle like Swallow. Yet, despite their sound fitting the era perfectly, they remained on the fringes while groups like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney rose to prominence. Internal conflicts, a label that never truly supported them, and questionable record company decisions turned Swallow into one of Sub Pop’s most underrated bands.
Early Days with Sub Pop and Initial Success
Formed in 1987 by Chris Pugh (formerly of Young Pioneer), Swallow included Andy Scheen (bass, ex-Isolation), Scott Schickler (drums, ex-Limp Richerds & Thrown Ups), and Michael Anderson, who was soon replaced by Rod Moody (ex-Deranged Diction). Thanks to Pugh’s connections with Sub Pop founder Bruce Pavitt, the band signed an informal agreement and released their debut single Guts/Trapped (SP #14) in 1988. This was followed by their self-titled album (Swallow, SP #24) and their track Zoo featured on the landmark Sub Pop 200 compilation (SP #25), which documented the emerging grunge scene.
Unlike many of their contemporaries, Swallow had two distinct musical personalities: a more melodic, pop-grunge side led by Pugh and a raw, hard-rock energy brought by Moody. This made them less dark than Soundgarden or Skin Yard but rougher and more instinctive than bands like Mudhoney.
Sourpuss and the Band’s Decline
In 1990, Swallow released their second album, Sourpuss, which Sub Pop inexplicably chose to distribute exclusively in Europe via Glitterhouse Records. The decision was baffling, as the band seemed like a perfect fit for the U.S. market. Meanwhile, Scott Schickler was replaced by Craig Bradford, and the band continued performing live, though they faced dwindling enthusiasm from audiences.
During a tour of the southwestern U.S., internal tensions escalated, and their live performances began to suffer. Despite this, the band wrote new material and planned to record a third album with producer Butch Vig. However, Sub Pop rejected the record, effectively sealing the band’s fate. Swallow disbanded in 1992, just as grunge exploded worldwide with Nirvana’s Nevermind.
After the Breakup and a Late Rediscovery
Following the split, Chris Pugh embraced a more pop-driven sound with his new band, Creep, while Rod Moody formed Spike and co-founded Y Records. In the early ’90s, Swallow reunited for a few shows alongside Blood Circus, but they never regained their earlier momentum.
In 2007, Flotation Records released Teach Your Bird to Sing, Swallow’s long-lost third album, originally recorded in 1990 and rejected by Sub Pop. The band also reunited to perform at Sub Pop’s anniversary celebration, sparking renewed interest among grunge enthusiasts.
An Overlooked Legacy
Swallow’s story highlights how a band’s fate can be shaped more by industry decisions than by the quality of their music. Had Sub Pop given them stronger support, they might be remembered alongside grunge’s biggest names today. Their powerful and ironic sound remains a testament to the raw energy of that era.
For those looking to rediscover them, Sourpuss and Swallow are essential albums—more accessible than one might expect and still relevant today. Swallow deserved far more recognition, but thankfully, their music remains available for those willing to explore their overlooked legacy.
