The Swon Brothers, ‘Later On’ [Listen]
The Swon Brothers are the first male contestants from 'The Voice' to try their hand at country radio with the release of their debut single, ‘Later On.’ To date, Danielle Bradbery and Cassadee Pope have been the show’s biggest successes, both releasing fairly mainstream pop-country songs. These Oklahoma boys show their rock roots early and often in this cut.
The guitar opening is punctuated by a loud “come on" before Zach Swon begins his romantic-night-in story. Lyrically and sonically, the track doesn’t take many chances until a rock solo at about 2:15.
The chorus follows themes made popular in 2013:
“You start sliding over / We can't get no closer / Ain’t no room in the middle / Girl, whatcha doin' a little later / Let's go start a fire / How ‘bout you and I get this thing moving, shaking, grooving / Baby, tell me what you’re doin' / Later on, later on, later on, later on, later on, later on.”
Songwriters Ryan Hurd, Joey Hyde and Justin Wilson write a sharper second verse than the first. None of these three men are household names yet. Zach and Colton Swon’s task is to take an ordinary lyric and make it extraordinary.
“Girl, you’re shining like a movie star / And you know you look so good I can't stop / staring / And I can tell that you’re feeling it to / Whatcha wanna do with that smile you’re wearing, oh yeah.”
A rumbling, rambling banjo gives this song some needed country roots, although these two men are already a good vocal fit for the genre. The Swons don't show off once-in-a-lifetime singing voices on 'Later On,' but they prove to be capable storytellers full of energy.
Why Fans Will Love It: The Swon Brothers are full of energy and it seeps into their music. 'Later On' is a burst of fresh air.
Key Lyrics: “Baby, tell me what you’re doin' / Later on, later on, later on, later on, later on, later on, ohh”
Did You Know?: Colton Swon made it to the Top 48 of 'American Idol' in 2007. Zach never tried out because he doesn't feel comfortable without an instrument in his arms.
Listen to the Swon Brothers, ‘Later On’