Swimming Tapes’ debut album, Morningside, is a lovely slice of dream pop magic that is a shining light during the dark times we are currently facing in society.

This is exemplified throughout the record, but perhaps best on the gorgeous, sun filled single, Keep Her Closer – which is full of spacious, shimmering guitars and ear worm melodies.

Following the release of the record, which is out now on Hand in Hive Records, we caught up with frontman, Robbie Reid, to find out what makes him tick from the world of books, music and film. Here are his Sound & Vision picks:

Three albums I love:

Teenage Fanclub – Bandwagonesque
Years ago, I got a text from a friend I hadn’t seen in a while that simply said, “I wish I was in Bandwagonesque-era Fanclub.”
I know what he meant. That combination of pop melodies and guitar grunt is glorious; always puts a smile on my face.

The Chills – Kaleidoscope World
80s New Zealand was an incredible place for music, so I had to have a Flying Nun record on here.

Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
A lot of people love this album, and it’s one of a kind. Lots of Belfast references, so always makes me feel nostalgic for home.

One favourite film:

Jim Jarmusch – Down By Law
Tom Waits has insane boots, three great characters share a cell, and you feel amazing when that Irma Thomas song plays at the end.

One favourite book:

Flann O’Brien – The Third Policeman
Well, it’s totally mad, but brilliant. I think about it all the time. One of the best Irish writers.

One song that’s important:

Baby I Love you – especially the Ramones version; reminds me of dancing happily at the end of the night, everyone singing along.