Press
"With his newest single “Mirrors,” Charlottesville-based cellist, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Wes Swing continues his exploration of both the emotional core of folk-rock and indie-pop and its sonic eccentricities. While Swing has been known to juggle his classically tinged cello with straightforward acoustic balladry and indie-folk structures, “Mirrors” revels in flowing string arrangements. The entire sonic spectrum of the cello manifests through rapid staccato, full-bodied resonance and swaying legato to tremendous effect."
"Acoustic hymnals flourish into an orchestral apex with an electronic chaser on cellist Wes Swing’s sophomore album. Written during a post-tour hiatus and period of self-discovery, the songs weave through melancholic valleys and uplifting peaks. Second track “All Other Love” introduces Kid A instrumentals before emerging as a delicate postpunk plucking. The blend of instrumentation and genre could not be more beautifully captivating, supported by Swing’s lush vocals, a grounding force. Fans of Owen Pallett and Andrew Bird will find great solace in Swing’s introspective explorations."
"The compositions, pieced together very carefully, are orchestral without orchestra. They are movements, and they are moving. They take place in that grey area between pop and symphonic. They are surreal and sometimes eerie but also grounded enough that they are not wisps. I was surprised when I first heard them. Everyone who knew him had talked cello, not voice, so when his (basically) alto vocals took precedence, it took me aback. Songs written for aura and feel, couched in just the right amount of electronica with pieces of folk/psych and rock thrown in almost as afterthought.
And The Heart is Wes Swing at his present day creative best, most of it over a bedrock of acoustic guitar with fringes of violin and cello. That and his voice--- that eerily beautiful, wavering voice."
"The second album from chamber pop cellist Wes Swing traces its origin to California, Texas and Washington, D.C. While composing in San Francisco, Swing struggled to overcome a wrist injury, before reconnecting with producer Paul Curreri (living in Austin at the time) who was facing his own physical challenge. Once collaboration on the new pieces began, says Swing, “I moved back from SF, Paul and Devon [Sproule] from Austin, and both Paul and I pushed through musical injuries and brought more vulnerable parts of ourselves to the music.” Described as deliberately sparse with stark instrumentation, And The Heart uses restraint and delicate vocals to pull you in for a closer listen. Curreri and Sproule perform as part of the album release celebration."
"The Charlottesville-based singer-songwriter performs pop with modern classical influences"
Washington Post
"A lush harmony of sustained cello notes enters. Swing’s voice soars above, singing “Oh, missing winter” over and over while new layers of sound—live drums, vocal harmony, electronic beats, synth pads—push the song toward a powerful climax. "