Penultimate track, ‘A Hanging’, has far more instrumentation than its stripped back relative from the studio, though the sound seems to subside by its end. This release does have some interesting moments. ‘Stupid Child’ travels at crawling pace, ending with a sense of linger that’s marred by confusion rather than coherency.

Album opener, ‘Coward’, is a grim rendition, though doesn’t reach the peak levels of misery found in other live recordings. Sound wise, these tracks follow the pounding, mechanical stomp identified with Swans in 1986. While retaining a Swans aesthetic, the imperfectly doodled artwork hugely represents this album’s place as a bootleg. Discipline Mag now brings you…ĭon’t be fooled, Real Love’s title alongside the sketched noose on the cover may convey a sense of light and darkness, though it’s the noose that far more accurately depicts the spirit of this album. The triumph of Swans live may not be news to many, but this document of 9 live albums, 2 live&demo recordings and 1 suspiciously originated document may shed a light on some spectacular sonic statements of a time now gone and never to return. This shadow discography of live albums is bursting with unreleased tracks, drastically reimagined work, and candid moments, essential in their display of music unrecognisable from the studio. Regardless of where you sit, Swans’ output is a many-headed beast, and atop of those many heads lies many hats – the oft hidden, but no less important, live catalogue.Įvery iteration of the band, every era and almost every album happen to be represented by a corresponding live album. For some, the synonymous teeth logo could conjure the pounding industrialism of Greed, for others it could be the proto-sludge of Cop, or for new fans, maybe they’re too busy listening to the abundance of post-reunion music to research its origins.

With impassioned reactions managing to be as varied as the legacy itself, Swans mean different things to different people. Led by Michael Gira and supported by many others, the Swans mission has been undertaken both on record and on stage, both holding near equal importance.

For a group like Swans, neither of these have been too much of an issue throughout what is now 4 decades of relevance. More aptly, provoking fierce emotional responses is a cornerstone of endearment, ideally with a balance of both revilement and resonation. It’s been said that if nobody hates you, then you’re irrelevant.

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