Swans: The Strange Beauty of Abrasive Music

If you know anything about the music artist, Swans, chances are it’s not for their pleasant sound. Their music is abrasive and often disturbing - something you wouldn’t expect from a band. However, beneath this unsettling exterior lies a talented group that has been creating unique avant-garde compositions since 1982. In this blog post we will compare and contrast some of their more criticized pieces to the gems they have released over the years so that listeners can make informed opinions on whether Swans is worth checking out or skipping over all together.

When we think of music, we usually have certain expectations of what it should sound like. We seek melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that make us feel good. However, some musicians like to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is considered pleasant or acceptable. Swans are one of those bands. Their music is loud, intense, and often abrasive. But is it still music? Can it still be appreciated despite its disturbing nature? In this blog post, we will explore some of the most notorious and controversial songs by Swans and contrast them with some of their more accessible and beautiful works to help you make up your mind.

Swans have been around since the early 80s, and their sound has evolved significantly over the years. Their early albums were very experimental and harsh, with a lot of industrial and noise influences. One of their most infamous songs from this era is Raping a Slave, a 20-minute-long track that consists mostly of repetitive beats and violent screams. This piece is not for everyone, and even some hardcore Swans fans find it difficult to listen to. But if you're willing to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to be challenged, you might discover that there is something fascinating about its relentless intensity. Swans have never been a band that shies away from tackling taboo subjects, and Raping a Slave is a clear example of their willingness to confront the darker aspects of human nature.

However, not all Swans songs are so abrasive. In fact, some of their most beautiful compositions are also their most accessible. For instance, The Seer is a 30-minute long epic that combines tribal rhythms, droning guitars, and ethereal vocals to create a hypnotic atmosphere that is both haunting and mesmerizing. Unlike Raping a Slave, The Seer is not in your face. It requires patience and attentiveness to fully appreciate its nuances. But if you allow yourself to immerse in its sound, you might feel transported to a different realm, where time and space lose their grip.

Another song that showcases Swans' ability to create beauty out of chaos is A Little God in My Hands. This track is more upbeat and danceable than most of their catalog, but it still retains their signature sound of distortion and dissonance. What makes this song stand out is the layering of different instruments and textures that create a rich and complex soundscape. The vocals, in particular, are remarkable, with Michael Gira's deep voice contrasting with the angelic backing vocals. A Little God in My Hands shows that Swans can be experimental without sacrificing catchiness or accessibility.

Of course, not all Swans songs are as successful as The Seer or A Little God in My Hands. Some of their recent work has been criticized for being repetitive and dull, with too much focus on noise and not enough on melody. For example, The Glowing Man, the title track of their 2016 album, is a 27-minute long piece that consists mostly of droning guitars and feedback. While this might appeal to fans of ambient or drone music, for most listeners it will be a tedious exercise in endurance. Similarly, The Knot, from their 1996 album Soundtracks for the Blind, is a 15-minute long track that feels like a never-ending loop of dissonant chords and random noises. This kind of music is not for everyone, and if you're not into experimental or avant-garde sounds, you might want to skip these songs altogether.

Swans are not an easy band to get into. Their music can be challenging, confrontational, and disturbing. But it can also be beautiful, complex, and rewarding. If you're curious about what they have to offer, we encourage you to give them a chance. Start with their more accessible tracks, like The Seer or A Little God in My Hands, and then gradually work your way up to their more experimental pieces. You might be surprised by how much you can enjoy music that doesn't follow conventional norms. Above all, keep an open mind and be willing to let yourself get lost in their sound. You might discover a whole new world of music that you never knew existed.