Leaving Meaning. (studio album) by Swans

From DriftingOrpheus 03/31/2020 05:46

Swans' latest record 'Leaving Meaning' does not harbor the same overtly vicious intensity that the prior three albums conjured. Instead, it is more of a representation of what's left behind in the wake of those three behemoths. Listeners expecting to hear the snarling guitars and pounding drum segments will be likely put off. This album's success is attributed to its more docile (for Swans) nature. This works as a hybrid of what Swans put out in the mid-1990's and the fabled trilogy of the 2010's. It's Swans' evolving again and that's not for everyone. Still, 'What is This?' is one of the finest tracks they've ever recorded and is my track of 2019.

From mdbaxter 03/09/2020 15:57

I might not be getting it but this isn't for me. I don't have a problem with slow music but I'm just not getting anything out of this album no matter how many times I listen to it. "Boring" wouldn't be the right word to describe my feelings. I'd rather call it "unprovoking" if that makes sense. The repetition and mantralike tone of a significant part of the first half of the album is intriguing but never evolved into anything more than that for me. The second half is much more accessible but I don't think that necessarily makes it any better. I'm sure this will come off as an irresponsible and oversimplified comparison but "What is This?" sounds a lot like Arcade Fire; something I didn't expect.

From Brad1770 12/25/2019 04:48

Tackling any Swans album is generally no mean feat considering they can be 2 hour behemoths requiring a lifestyle choice to fully comprehend (not unlike a Tool album ). But here on Swans album release number 35 (!!) it feels different , because it is different. Coming in at a long yet manageable 90 minutes with the entire thing sounding less dense and easier to absorb. For example by my 2nd listen I felt I'd got the hang of most tracks and by the 3rd had them down pat - really odd for any Swans release. Now that's not necessarily a bad thing as Michael Gira's Holy Trinity of lyrical content Sex , Death and Eternity are front and centre but musically there's space and room to breath , no doubt due to the heavy contribution from Australian band The Necks

Personally I don't mind this album but definitely prefer the dense visceral intensity found on 'The Seer' (2012) or 'Soundtrack For The Blind' (1996)

'leaving meaning' proves age is no barrier to creative goodness