Swans
 

I'd heard this name thrown around every now and then. I remember Maynard Keenan mentioning them, and then I was listening to an interview a few months ago with Nils Fryktal of SGM saying how big of an influence they are to him so I checked out their album "Children of God".

I'm totally digging it. The music usually consists of a very minimalistic, infinitely repeating pulsing background with hypnotic vocals making great textures. Its equally crushing and gentle. I like this explanation I found on Wiki: "..Swans' focus was raw rhythm and abrasive textures, usually eschewing melody for visceral power. They became known for their abrasive experimental and post-industrial sound."

Definitely not for everyone, but some of you may enjoy it - looking in Mansley's direction and maybe the odd ball here that likes their music with a side of weird.

THE SEX IN YOUR SOUL WILL DAMN YOU TO HELL!

Link?

There myspace has songs I'm not familiar with so I didn't post it.

But if you MUST: http://www.myspace.com/swansaredead

Oh yeah I've heard them before. Not really my thing but I'll try the album you mentioned.

i had a look at the album mentioned on last.fm. is the prodction as bad as it sounds? it didn't do anything for me sadly. cool name though, and ideas.

The tracks they have up on last.fm, at least for Children of God, are all live. The studio album is crystal.

... = Good.

Swans is fucking amazing. I've been playing this nonstop for quite a few months.

Swans is a band that I've heard a lot about but I've never heard any of their output. I think I'll check them out.

hmm i'll have to have a proper listen then and give it a download or something.

After 14 years, Swans has reformed and are releasing a new album called My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky on the 23rd and I'm very excited as I've become an even bigger fan over the last couple years.

It's leaked. Downloading now!

They're touring soon too, though without Jarbo. Which is fine with me since I like Gira's vocals way more.

http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archiv...s_announce.html

Yeah, I was just reading about that. Unfortunately they'll be no where near L.A. so I'm out of luck. Maybe they'll add some tour dates... you can't completely ignore the west coast.

I'm also much more into Gira's vocals. She has her moments, though. Have you heard Gira's other band, Angels of Light? I have not.

I've listened to the album once, too soon to comment.

The album has its moments, but I'm not into it near as much as other releases. 5/10.

Swans are one of my favorite bands. I'm also big into Michael Gira's solo stuff. Check this song out (and lol @ the background image):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOvYy7SfGPw


Shit gives me goosebumps.

As far as the new album is concerned, I enjoy it. Jim is definitely the standout track.

They're going on tour and if you have a chance to see them, do it. I might inquire about someone being my proxy and sending me merchandise from the live show because they do not come anywhere near Texas.

Yeah, I agree, Jim is the best track next to No Words/Thoughts and You Fucking People Make Me Sick.

Is most of his solo work like that track you posted? Sounds a lot like most of the material on Soundtrack for the Blind, which I love.

Check out this sweet Swans poster I found at a record shop a year or two ago: http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/...0918_130002.jpg

I was introduced to this band when Neurosis did an album with Jarboe - and I absolutely agree with the "gives me chills" sentiment. It has this really somber atmosphere that is really hard to describe --

They have a song called Empathy that I remember very vividly with a lyric like "and I will rise to bury your name"

The most crude way I could put it - it reminds me of unresolved childhood memories, opiates and alcohol ---- sounds like I have experience with the three doesn't it? I don't, but my friend does.

Jarboe did an album with Neurosis?

Yeah, that track Empathy was off their last (before they got back together) Soundtracks for The Blind, which I have been listening to a shit-load recently.

Give me opiates!

Yes, she did! And it is absolutely incredible -- it is actually titled "Neurosis & Jarboe"

Even if you are one of the die-hard Neurosis fans that thinks Enemy of the Sun and Souls at Zero were their pinnacle and everything has been in decline since - you must absolutely hear this album - Jarboe is amazing. Within is a favorite track of mine.

Thanks, I'll check it out. Even though I'm not that big on Jarboe or Neurosis fan (the only Neurosis album I ever really dived into was Souls at Zero) I'd definitely be interested in hearing it.