Dublin synth-rock outfit Swords are currently putting the finishes touches to their debut EP, tentatively scheduled for a post-Christmas release.

The promising trio locked themselves in Tigh Ri Na Rua cottage in Wicklow in a makeshift studio alongside famed producer Karl Odlum. Having played with such luminaries as Kíla and The Frames in addition to producing the likes of Gemma Hayes, David Kitt, Jape and Ham Sandwich, Odlum is quite the man to have at the helm of your first EP.

"Karl's influence inspired us to look at the quality of the sounds we use, how we approach song structures and how we sound live," says drummer Ian Frawley. "Translating the quality of the EP into the live show is hugely important to us.

"He's a class producer every sense of the word, describing what he wants from you imaginatively but never actually picking up an instrument and playing it for you.. Which he could have. So from that you can imagine the creativity he brought out in us. Most of the songs were 90% of the way there, but that final few per cent does matter when you get outside influence from an experienced musician & producer like Karl. It expands your sound."

The currently-untitled EP boasts four tracks; 'Go', 'Special', 'Black Balloon' and a brand new recording of 'Chasm', the track that landed Swords the top prize in the Hot Press/Bulmer's Berry 'Who Is Hiding In The Undergrowth' competition back in September. Keep an eye on [link]www.swordsband.com[/link] for further details on the EP and the bands' planned upcoming tour.