Glasgow's
Gun are known for their large cult following and the decidedly American-sounding brand of hard rock that came from their decidedly Scottish bodies. Most fans don't see
Swagger as the group peak, as the band finds it hard to settle on any one style throughout its 40 minutes. Some tracks come across like artsy gruff
Jane's Addiction, others like a hybrid of
Cast and
Def Leppard, others still like the bluesy metal ballads of
Bon Jovi.
Swagger got a big boost out of the chart success of the band's "Word Up!," a
Cameo cover as pointless as it is catchy. It makes sense that Mark Kerr took over the drums on this album, as "Something Worthwhile" is reminiscent of the rockier moments of his brother's band,
Simple Minds. ~ Tim DiGravina