Formed at the tail end of 2003 whilst still studying Help She Can't Swim quickly released a series of instantly collectible EPs, including the hyper-aggro pink 7” ‘Bunty Vs Beano', a 2 minute blast of teenage vitriol, it not only re-defined the short, sharp thrash song, but introduced ingeniously mismatched rhyming couplets like Michael Winner / Frank Skinner and Ashley Kutcher / Frank Butcher to the nation's dancefloors.

This stuff of lyrical legend was to define the uncompromising battle cry of their debut album ‘Fashionista Super Dance Troupe' featuring ‘Bunty Vs Beano' and ‘What Would Morrissey Say' - just two of the hilariously bitter shots at pop culture on the debut. If you're looking for a reference point, they declare musical affinity with Blood Brothers and Deerhoof as well as riot-grrl stalwarts Huggy Bear and Shoplifting.

Help She Can't Swim's second album was released in 2007 as a double CD which also includes the Committing Social Suicide EP (which was previously vinyl ony). The vinyl LP edition came on split colour vinyl half black. half white - lovely! On it songs like ‘Hospital Drama' and ‘Pass The Hat Around', managed to keep their relentless energy on a leash - just. Whilst here the band are more introspective, and find their music a cathartic release for more personal issues. ‘Hospital Drama', for instance, is about family illness and death, whilst ‘Dragged Under A Wave' deals with manic depression. There's still plenty to entertain fans of their wry criticism – just listen to the pasting lad-rock fans get on ‘Apes And Pigs'.

Sadly Help She Can't Swim decided to part ways in 2008. Tom Denney currently has a new project, Lonely Ghosts.

Band Members

Tom Denney (vocals, guitar, keys), Leesey Frances (vocals, keys), Tim Palmer (bass), Lewis Baker (drums), Tom Baker (guitar)

Links

www.myspace.com/helpshecantswim