PRESS
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Louder than War Albums of the Year 2016
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17. Swans – The Glowing Man A solid 10/10 from Editor in Chief John Robb for the latest from Swans. An album he says, “leaves you exhausted and bathed in sweat when you listen to it and emotionally and physically turned inside out.” Read his review here....
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Louder Than War March 2017
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GREAT ANNIHILATOR 1995 PRESS KIT
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Traces of the Real TBK review
() - Michael Gira, review, SWANS, young god
Millions And Millions of Stars In Your Eyes June 15, 2014 by Hugh There is a song on the new Swans album, To Be Kind, that is directly inspired by Lars Von Trier’s brilliant 2011 film Melancholia. The film tells the story of two sisters, Claire and Justine, and their differing reactions to the impending arrival of a rogue planet, which, as becomes apparent as the film progresses, is in danger of crashing into and destroying the Earth. The first half of the film revolves around a wedding party at a country house for Justine, who is to be married the next day, an event that Claire is largely responsible for organising. Claire is at home within this world of social and familial ritual, however Justine is not, and her behaviour becomes more and more erratic and unhinged as the evening progresses. The night ends in disarray, with Justine’s husband-to-be and the rest of the guests leaving in disgust, and the wedding cancelled. The second part of the film concentrates on Claire and Justine (along with Claire’s husband and son) as they await the arrival of the planet Melancholia. It initially seems that it won’t collide with Earth at all, however......
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SWANS – THE MABUHAY GARDENS, SAN FRANCISCO [APRIL 12, 1986]
() - concert, live, Michael Gira, SWANS, young god
THE SWANS – THE MABUHAY GARDENS, SAN FRANCISCO [APRIL 12, 1986] View photos on original site here This particular show was a revelation, on a number of levels. The most impressive one was the fact that this band could be so sonically overwhelming, and yet, it was a delight to witness. I had been introduced to their earlier recordings, thanks to my colleagues, John and Lexy, at the small “mom and pop” record store we worked at, at the time. While I was in charge of ordering the mainstream releases, and a selection of independent releases, they were responsible for bringing in the more adventurous and experimental releases of the day, most of which were distributed through Rough Trade Records. The vinyl I had heard by The Swans, up to that point in time, had not grabbed my attention so much, but there was just enough to make me curious to see them – and, of course, there was a bit of urging from a few people, assuring me that it wasn’t to be missed. So, off we went, and getting there early enough to grab a prime spot, at the center of the stage, between the stage monitors, I......