Swans, the experimental rock band led by the enigmatic Michael Gira, return with their fifteenth studio album, "leaving meaning." Released on October 25, 2019, this album marks a significant departure from the band's previous works, both in terms of duration and musical direction. Clocking in at 93 minutes, "leaving meaning." is a more concise record compared to the band's recent two-hour epics, with only one song exceeding the 12-minute mark.
The album is a sonic journey through a diverse range of genres, including noise rock, post-rock, neofolk, industrial rock, experimental, post-punk, avant-garde, art rock, and drone. This eclectic mix is a testament to Swans' signature sound, which has evolved and shifted over the years, always pushing the boundaries of what rock music can be.
"Leaving meaning." sees Michael Gira taking a more collaborative approach, working with a revolving door of handpicked musicians. This shift is evident in the album's sound, which is more open and experimental than Swans' previous works. The album's lyrics are particularly strong, with an abundance of words that push Gira to experiment with their delivery.
The album opens with "Hums," a haunting drone that sets the tone for the rest of the record. "Annaline" follows, a neofolk ballad that showcases Gira's distinctive vocals. The album's title track, "Leaving Meaning," is a sprawling, 12-minute epic that explores themes of loss and redemption. Other standout tracks include "Sunfucker," a blistering noise rock anthem, and "Cathedrals of Heaven," a haunting post-rock ballad.
"Leaving meaning." is a return to the neofolk sound that Swans explored in the early 90s, as well as Gira's side project, Angels of Light. However, the album is far from a mere retread of old ground. Instead, it's a bold new chapter in Swans' long and diverse discography, one that's sure to challenge and inspire fans of experimental rock.
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