Swans lunacy lyrics7/12/2023 Indeed, much of what makes ‘The Seer’ so richly compelling is the addition of non-‘rock’ instrumentation. Thor Harris’s orchestral bells sound almost like an homage to Mike Oldfield’s ‘ The Exorcist‘ theme. Atmospheric and ethereal it has a powerful dark beauty. The lilting country ballad sounds more akin to Mazzy Star than the Swans, soothing and restorative. “ Song For A Warrior” features a great guest vocal from Yeah Yeah Yeah’s vocalist Karen O. His vocals are alternately soothing and sinister (His old flame Jarboe adds her trademark wailing backing vocals)ĭISC 2 is still dark, but it does offer occasional uplift. Gira’s lyrics are suitably abstract “ My light pours into your mouth/Your light pours into my mouth“. A slowly escalating track which also feels Arabic in tone. It’s over 30 minutes long and vacillates between hypnotic transcendence, nihilistic rage and abstract terror. The title track is impossible to classify. This constantly morphing, labyrinthine approach is dizzying and disorienting. Often times a single track sounds like multiple songs. If you don’t like what you hear, wait a few minutes. It’s repeated motif will test your patience, but it settles into a nice bluesy vibe towards the closing. “ Mother Of The World” has a death grip on your ears from its first clanging industrial riff. The repeated choral refrain of “ Lunacy” is chilling and will make you question that your own sanity is slipping. Once the chanting climaxes, it lulls into a lament “ Your childhood is over“. It begins with an ethereal Middle Eastern wail, followed by eerie harmonized vocals (featuring Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk from Low). 2 weeks into it, and I’m still scrambling for the right words. A double album, featuring several tracks over 20 minutes long, it takes time to absorb. seem brimming with purpose and demonic intensity. But Swans new album ‘ The Seer’ is their best work to date. Rare is the band that’s still at their creative peak 30 years into their career. 30 years in, Swans make their masterpiece with ‘The Seer’.
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