top of page
jimt

Swimming With Bears Deliver a Heartfelt Indie Rock Hit with 'Patient Disguise'



Austin-based indie-rock band Swimming With Bears dives deep into raw emotion with their latest single, Patient Disguise. Known for their dynamic sound and memorable stage presence, the four-piece group has already won over audiences with support from Billboard, a live session on NPR, and notable performances alongside acts like Panic! At The Disco, Weezer, and Blue October. Their latest track, released via Swimming With Bears Music, takes listeners on an emotive journey through themes of pain and yearning.


The group—formed during college and featuring Joe Perry (vocals and bass), Ryan Hannasch (drums), David O'Farrell (lead guitar), and UK-born Jonathan Kerr (rhythm guitar)—finds inspiration in a broad range of influences, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to The Gorillaz. Patient Disguise, written by the full band and produced by Matt Noveskey, pushes the boundaries of their sound, mixing euphoric highs with an underlying feeling of desolation. The track captures the longing and tension of loneliness while crafting moments of release, an effect heightened by Perry’s soaring vocals that ripple with urgency and intensity.


In Patient Disguise, each element has its place: the steadfast drumbeat and electric bassline create a steady pulse, while the guitars add lush textures that swing between powerful riffs and subtle flourishes. The music video, directed by Kevin C. McDermo, mirrors this emotional journey. Set on a shadowy stage, the video sees Joe Perry enveloped by ghostly hands in white gloves—a visual representation of feeling overwhelmed by isolation and the human drive for connection. It’s a haunting yet hopeful image that stays with you long after the track ends.


With Patient Disguise, Swimming With Bears reaffirms their position as one of Austin’s most promising indie-rock acts. The track is a complex, satisfying dive into heartache and resilience, a reminder of the band’s talent for blending thoughtful storytelling with exhilarating rock energy. As the band continues to evolve, Patient Disguise is a clear marker of the emotional and musical depth we can expect from them in the future.



Watch the official video for 'Patient Disguise' here:



Comments


bottom of page