Britain's Swim Deep initially emerged in 2012 playing melodic, guitar-based rock that belied the influence of '80s dream pop and '90s shoegaze. It was a sound that helped garner buzz for their 2013 debut, Where the Heaven Are We. They have continued to evolve, drawing upon sub-genres like acid house and synth pop, as on 2015's Mothers.

Hailing from Birmingham, Swim Deep came together in 2010, centered on guitarist/vocalist Austin Williams and guitarist Tom Higgins. Following a series of lineup changes, the group solidified as a four-piece with addition of bassist Cavan McCarthy and drummer Zachary Robinson. They signed with Chess Club in 2012 and released their debut single, "King City." Several singles followed and helped garner press interest as well as a growing fan following. In 2013 they released their debut full-length album, Where the Heaven Are We, which peaked at number 20 on the U.K. albums charts. A sophomore full-length album, Mothers, arrived in 2015 and showcased a more psychedelic-, gospel-, and acid house-influenced sound. It was also the group's first album since adding touring member and multi-instrumentalist James Balmont. That same year they joined the 1975 on tour.

By 2018, Robinson and Higgins had parted ways with the band to be replaced by guitarist Robbie Wood and drummer Thomas Fiquet. Swim Deep returned in October 2019 with their third studio album, Emerald Classics. Recorded in Margate with producer Dave McCracken, and purportedly named after a favorite pub in Birmingham, the album again found the band balancing their dream rock roots with a '90s pop and acid house aesthetic. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi