The Swings Drop Indie Rock Anthem What’s It Gonna Take
Music Review | 26th April, 2026
Dublin’s Rising Indie Stars Keep the Momentum Going
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Irish indie scene lately, chances are you’ve already heard the buzz around The Swings. The Dublin four-piece have been building serious momentum since their 2025 debut EP Lost In Us
, carving out a reputation for punchy, guitar-driven tracks and high-energy live shows.
And it’s not just hype - their live performances have been turning heads across the country. From supporting legendary Irish band Aslan to playing iconic venues like Vicar Street and Malahide Castle, The Swings are proving they’re more than ready for the spotlight.
What’s It Gonna Take
- A 90s Indie Revival With Bite
Their latest single, What’s It Gonna Take
, feels like a natural next step - and possibly their strongest release yet. From the first chord, it’s clear this is a full-blown indie rock anthem. Think thick walls of guitar, a tight, driving rhythm section, and a soaring wah-wah drenched solo that wouldn’t feel out of place in a 90s alt-rock playlist.
It’s loud, confident, and unapologetically guitar-heavy - exactly the kind of track that sticks with you after one listen.
A Song About Big Decisions and Real Pressure
But beneath the infectious energy, there’s something more personal going on. Lyrically, What’s It Gonna Take
digs into the anxiety of life-changing decisions - that moment when everything feels uncertain and the pressure starts to build.
Frontman Leon opened up about the story behind the track:
When I wrote ‘What’s It Gonna Take’, I was going through a really strange time in my life. I had just finished school and was trying to decide whether to go to college, start a trade, or go all in on music.
It’s a big decision, and I put myself under a lot of pressure to make the right call. I think you can really feel that tension - that fear - when you listen to the song.
It’s like a conversation in your own head, questioning everything… asking yourself if you’re really cut out for what you want to do.
That raw honesty adds a layer of relatability that elevates the track beyond just another indie banger.
Final Thoughts
With What’s It Gonna Take
, The Swings continue to cement their place as one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging bands. It’s a track that blends nostalgia with fresh energy, pairing classic indie rock influences with a very real, very current emotional core.
If this is the direction they’re heading in, it’s safe to say we’ll be hearing a lot more from them - both on playlists and festival stages - in the near future.
The single, Whats It Gonna Take, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: The Swings
