Swans re-forming (and touring)

Coming out of my long hibernation to pass this on.

After years of solo work, NY musician M. Gira has announced that he is resurrecting his seminal band SWANS.

Featuring an assemblage of musicians who span the breadth of SWANS' history, from the earliest recordings through to Gira's recent work as Angels of Light, the new album will (according an an interview with Stereogum writer Brandon Stosuy) "basically [pick up] where Soundtracks For The Blind/Swans Are Dead left off, with influence of Angels of Light in there too. Probably pretty severe tho, according to my present mood..."

Whether you know SWANS through early albums like Filth or the later, (marginally) more commercial masterpieces like White Light from the Mouth of Infinity, the notion of "severe" should be thrilling. SWANS power often came from the tension between beautiful melancholy and a weighty vitiriol unmatched by the darkest of metal bands, so to imagine that power with an expressly severe *oomph* simply stirs the anticipation. Gira reportedly chose the name SWANS because it fit the music, saying "Swans are majestic, beautiful looking creatures. With really ugly temperaments," and it's a completely apt description of the sound. Severe? Bring it on.

As to the new album, more from his MySpace:

I have decided to focus my energy on Swans once again. I'm reactivating that project. A new album is in the works, and touring will follow in fall of 2010.

In order to help raise funds / help defray the considerable costs of recording and promoting the new album, I have made a special CD/DVD limited edition handmade package called "I Am Not Insane" available exclusively at the YGR website.

You can read about the CD/DVD, and my decision to reactivate Swans at this link:

Official YGR Site - SWANS 2010 "I Am Not Insane" info here



I have to say, a hundred bucks for an "executive producer" credit really makes my pants fit funny, especially at the current exchange rate.

While explicitly NOT a reunion, there is a suggestion of guest musicians as well, which might safely assume appearances by longtime-collaborator Jarboe and early bandmember Thurston Moore. One can hope.

For a sample of the new work, go download the track "Jim" at Stereogum and then go give Michael some money.

VIDEO: SWANS, "Love of Life" (suggestion: turn volume to 11)