November Exclaim!
The Swallows “The Beauty of Our Surroundings”

"With the second Swallows record, drummer-turned-rock'n'roll frontman Glenn Milchem claims title to the Blue Rodeo family's most interesting extra-curricular career since Bob Wiseman fled the coop years ago. Whereas the Swallow's debut, 'Turning Blue' was a lo-fi collection of hushed, melancholic indie-rock ballads recorded mostly by Milchem himself, 'The Beauty of Our Surroundings' is the product of a live-tested, four-piece band tearing with grace and energetic abandon through an easy-to-like assortment of tunes embracing feisty, Pixies/Husker Du-esque guitar pop ('No To Be In Love'), U.K.-informed anthemics ('Zero G') and wintry, Midwestern-feeling jangle ('The Beauty Of My Surroundings', 'Waking Up (Is Hard To Do)'). The songs are as worn and comfortable as old shoes, and Milchem and Ian Blurton's production keeps things crackling with a live dynamic, especially the guitars. This one might just take off."
~Ben Rayner Dec 19, 2002


Chartattack.com
THE SWALLOWS The Beauty Of Our Surroundings (Magnetic Angel)

On this second outing, Swallows’ main man Glenn Milchem once again steps out from his familiar position behind Blue Rodeo’s drum kit to assert himself as a singer/songwriter in his own right. Despite being Canada’s best drummer (next to Neil Peart), Milchem obviously feels the creative limitations of that role, judging by the energy and diversity displayed throughout most of this album. This side of his personality isn’t as much a refection of his country/rock day job as it is of his roots in Toronto’s post-punk scene of the late ‘80s. With the notable participation of former Change of Heart compadres John Borra (bass) and Ian Blurton (production), among others, Milchem and company have crafted a solid psych-pop gem in the fine Queen Street West tradition. What is most pleasantly surprising is Milchem’s depth as a songwriter. The opening couplet of “Waiting for Never” and “Losing The Revolution” packs a real punch, while the more toned down “Fire Engine Red” and the title track are eloquent glimpses of introspection. In fact, what seems to be behind Milchem’s words are the undoubtedly endless string of highs and lows he has experienced and observed in those around him during his long and varied career. To hear him draw upon that experience with such vitality on this album is not only a testament to his wide-ranging talent, but also to the fact that after all the struggles he and the rest of the Swallows crew haven’t completely succumbed to cynicism. Drumming for Blue Rodeo is surely a gig that Milchem won’t soon abandon, but it would be a shame if that commitment ever stood in the way of creating records as rich as this one.


Eye magazine
THE SWALLOWS - The Beauty of Our Surroundings Magnetic Angel/Warner

It's not inappropriate that the cover of The Swallows' sophomore album was designed by Rick White. Like White's band Elevator, The Swallows live in that space between harsh and mellow, alternately rockin' the house and floating somewhere above it. Songwriter Glenn Milchem (who moonlights as Blue Rodeo's drummer) has created a thick piece of brainy, sometimes psychedelic, rock that sets itself apart with unpredictable turns and wordy lyrics. Fitting somewhere between the rockarolla of Blurtonia (it was produced by Ian Blurton and features 'Tonia drummer Randy Curnew) and The Rheostatics, Surroundings is an interesting, formula-free album that proves that Milchem has what it takes even when he's standing in front of the drum kit .
~ Elizabeth Chorney-Booth


Calgary Straight
The Swallows The Beauty of Our Surroundings The Swallows - Magnetic Angel

Stretching the boundaries of the Blue Rodeo universe (already bursting with the efforts of The Sadies and Elevator's Rick White) is The Swallows' brand of harder, more psychedelic rock. BR drummer Glenn Milchem brings top-rank players (guitarist Clive MacNutt, bassist John Borra, drummer Randy Curnew, producer Ian Blurton) to his intense, brooding songs ("Convince Me" being the a highlight) about losing your resolution and living with your mistakes.
~Mary Dickie



Drummers – there’s something different about them. So it should come as no surprise that when Blue Rodeo’s skins-man Glenn Milchem steps out from behind the kit with his side project The Swallows, the results are unexpected. Sounding more like a Rheostatics-influenced Dinosaur Jr. than the boring Can-rock of his bandmates solo efforts, the Swallows are all big guitars, frantic solos a la Matthew Sweet (see “Losing the Revolution”) and – most importantly – dynamics. Produced by Ian Blurton, and with artwork from Rick White (Elevator, Eric’s Trip), anyone expecting a neat and tidy album will be sorely disappointed. Instead, the Swallows offer noisy, moody indie pop that ranges from the shimmering verses of “Waiting For Never” to the hushed tones of the title track. At a short 40 minutes, The Beauty of Our Surroundings never loses its energy, remaining engaged and entertaining throughout. And while hardly groundbreaking, it is refreshing, if for nothing else then proof positive that not all of those CanCon benefactors have been lulled into complacent, formulaic rock.
~By DEREK MCEWEN