Swans

Swans is a New York-based American art rock and post-punk group active from 1982 to the present. The band is led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira, and its line-up has included a large number of musicians over the years, among them Jarboe, Thurston Moore, Bill Rieflin, Thor Harris, Christopher Pravdica, Phil Puleo, Norman Westberg, Kristof Hahn, Dana Schechter and Ben Frost. Its listed stylistic range includes experimental rock, industrial rock, no wave, noise rock and gothic rock.

Early years and sound

Swans first emerge from the no wave environment in New York and develop a reputation for extremely heavy, slow and physical performances. Early shows are often described as confrontational, to the point that some audiences become ill, police are called, and venues shut down. Their live album Public Castration Is A Good Idea is associated with this early sound.

The group’s early releases include the albums Greed and Holy Money, where the music becomes faster and, at times, even more punishing. Drum machines and samples play a larger part in the arrangements, and Jarboe’s vocals broaden the band’s sound. Her contributions also bring quieter and more melodic passages into work that otherwise remains stark and severe. Over time, this approach becomes central to Swans’ output, including material where even acoustic guitar is used in a harsh, abrasive way.

Later development and influence

The band’s music from the late 1980s and the 1990s features a fuller instrumental approach that points towards later post-rock. Swans is widely seen as influential on later heavy and experimental music, with its methods and textures linked to grindcore, modern cinematic post-rock and atmospheric sludge metal.

After the original period ends in 1997, Michael Gira continues with solo work and later forms The Angels of Light, which carries forward some of the same themes and styles.

Reformation and later albums

Swans returns in 2010 and continues to record and tour. My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky follows in 2010, with the band then undertaking an extensive world tour. It is later chosen by Portishead to appear at the ATP I’ll Be Your Mirror festivals in London and Asbury Park.

The band then releases a series of lengthy albums, including the double album The Seer, the thirteenth LP To Be Kind, The Glowing Man, Leaving Meaning, The Beggar and Birthing. The Seer is presented as a summation of previous Swans work, while To Be Kind is produced by Michael Gira and recorded by John Congleton. A documentary, Where Does A Body End?, is also released about the group.

Michael Gira and Jarboe

Michael Gira remains the central figure throughout Swans’ history as singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Jarboe is an important collaborator within the band’s development and also releases solo work, while working with other artists and groups. Their partnership helps define one of Swans’ key periods, especially in the move from harsh minimalism to a broader and more varied sound.