 Music writers have compared the band to Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ane Brun, Portishead, Cat Power & Zola Jesus.Swords' first demo was received positively by Irish critics, with Hot Press Magazine's Jackie Hayden making Swords his "pick of the fortnight" in May 2011, noting their ticking rhythm and brilliant hooks and the same publication praising Anglim's "deceptively caustic vocals".With BalconyTV's video blogger Tina Edwards described Swords track Chasm as Electronica meets Zooey Deschanel (She and Him).