Oakland-based SWMRS make straightforward punk rock that trades in their forebears' snarling attitudes and political posturing for tongue-in-cheek fun. The band loves to mess around both in the studio and on stage, and their live shows are wild free-for-alls that go perfectly with their cheeky lyrics and anything-goes attitude. Lest anyone take them too seriously, SWMRS is always quick to remind audiences that they're just out for a good time, smiling big and cracking jokes between compact punk nuggets like "Miley" (an irreverent ode to "punk rock queen" Miley Cyrus) and "Uncool" (a tribute to anyone shunned by the cool kids). It's seriously fun music, and ticket buyers have no trouble taking the plunge anytime SWMRS invites them along for their rollicking punk rock shenanigans.

BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:

SWMRS began in 2004 as Emily's Army, an Oakland-based band formed by singer/guitarist Cole Becker and drummer Joey Armstrong (son of Green Day frontman Billy Joe Armstrong). The group uploaded their demos to Myspace in 2008, and in 2010 they entered the studio to record their debut album with Billie Joe Armstrong as producer. The album, Don't Be a Dick, dropped in 2011 on Adeline Records and received comparisons to Green Day for its accessible blend of punk edge and pop hooks. After several tours including a stint on the 2012 Vans Warped Tour, the band returned to the studio with Billie Joe Armstrong to record their sophomore album, 2013's Lost at Seventeen. Following another round of touring, the band released the 2014 EP Swim and changed their name to Swimmers, which they streamlined to SWMRS for the 2015 release of the EP Miley/Uncool. Their third LP, 2016's Drive North, was recorded with producer Zac Carper, with stellar results—the album features the band's best work to date, and fans can't wait to hear the new tunes in concert