Swans
Die Tür ist zu

★★★★

Swans is one of those bands that has really created a monolith of a musical career, spanning decades. Not all of it is music I enjoy, but the mid-nineties to their initial breakup is probably my favorite period. This release is a comp of bits and pieces from Soundtracks for the Blind, arguably one of my favorite Swans releases. This 55 minute long EP they released just expands upon the ideas present on that mysterious, labyrinth of an album. 

Starting with by far the longest piece on here, "Ligeti's Breath / Hilflos Kind", is a great example of the music Swans was making at the time. A mix of the music that influenced Gira, (e.g. Ligeti) but formed in a way that was utterly harsh and massive. With relentless drones and even German singing, Gira reinvigorates the darkness and despair from Swans's earliest releases. The second track is probably the weakest for me on the album; the vocals are just not a great fit. And after some additional drones we are presented with a live version of "YRP" sung by Jarboe. As different as Jarboe is from Gira as a vocalist, they share many similarities too. Both have this deep and immersive sense of desire and hopelessness in their voices that makes me uncomfortable; and they wear it proudly like a badge. 

"You Know Everything (Reprise 1991)" is dastardly in a hilarious way. The use of the recorded child talking is comforting and draws attention away from the rest of this EP, especially with the drifting, peaceful chords. And as the kid laughs and exclaims, "Boom Boom Boom!" the piece suddenly is thrust into thunderous sheets of guitars and drums that feel like an Armageddon. But only for a bit as it reverts again before ending. The acoustic version of "M/F" is something straight out of the American songbook of the Appalachians; albeit a bit more modern and crude. 

And just as gloriously and omnious as this EP began, it ends quite the same with the live version of "Soundsection". It's daunting, pretty poorly recorded, and the absolute definition of Swans during this period. While this so called EP is not really fluid or cohesive, it demonstrates a great variety of what Swans was doing at the time and hopefully entices you to listen to studio releases. 

Favorite Song: Ligeti's Breath / Hilflos Kind

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