Swans - Sex, God, Sex || live @ Roadburn / 013 Tilburg || 16-04-2011 (2/3)

www.roadburn.com
swans.pair.com/
From Last.fm:
Swans is an influential band from New York City, New York, United States, active from 1982 to 1997, reformed in 2010, led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira.
Marginally associated with the no wave scene at first, their original sound was slow and heavy, with live performances that were often so brutal and physical that in a number of instances certain audience members were made ill, police were called and venues were shut down. This early physical sound is possibly best heard on the live album Public Castration Is a Good Idea.
Their initial style shifted a little by the time Swans released seminal twin albums Greed and Holy Money. The music had sped up, at times being even more punishing than their earlier output. Drum machines and samples were slightly more prominent. Michael Gira was joined vocally by Jarboe which gave the band a broader sonic range. Tracks featuring Jarboe were often quieter, even pretty, acting as counterpoint to the more harrowing themes on the albums. Over time, this style would come to dominate the Swans' output, although they somehow seem to have been able to make a strummed acoustic guitar seem as brutal as their earlier amped-up assaults. The lush instrumentation of their albums from the late 1980s and the 1990's anticipated the birth of post-rock.
Swans eventually broke up in 1997; Gira went on to release some solo work, later forming the band The Angels of Light, who continue many of the themes and styles found in (later) Swans. Jarboe releases solo work and frequently works with other bands and artists; recently she released an album with Neurosis, a group clearly heavily influenced by Swans.
The influence of Swans upon the music world is profound. Across their 15 years of existence, the various styles they explored gave birth to grindcore (Napalm Death, Nasum) modern "cinematic" post-rock (Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mono), and atmospheric sludge metal (Isis, Neurosis).
On January 2010 announced Swans reunion and working on new recordings. The song Jim recently added to the playlist at MySpace is an acoustic demo (solo at home) recording by Michael Gira. This, and many other new songs recorded in the same way comprise many of the new (rough versions) of songs under consideration, to be fleshed out on the coming new Swans album. A CD of these acoustic versions, as well as a live (2 shows) DVD of Michael Gira will be for sale very soon as a hand made (by Gira) package called I Am Not Insane (CD/DVD). this package - in a limited edition of 1000 - will be sold in order to raise money for the Swans recordings.
www.last.fm/mus...

[@richardroberson2564]

So glad they brought this song back.

[@FractalBolt]

Swans is one of those rare bands whose live songs sound much more better than their studio ones. Most bands' "live" albums are just contractual fillers, but Swans' live albums are experiences completely different to the studio, well worth their price.

[@romeosdistress]

He clearly was having issues with the monitor, which is why he's looking really pissed off. UA-cam can be very embarrassing for pedantic viewers who aren't willing to acknowledge the external issues that artists can have.

[@nielstubbing2326]

I've seen Swans live 5 times and I think each and every time Michael Gira looked pissed off half of the show. He's just very intense and a perfectionist, he expects the same from his band members :-) Talked to him once after a show though and he was a very nice gentleman! He was pleasantly surprised I didn't need an autograph on the vinyl I bought.

[@TheDomanation13]

this music is strangely empowering.

[@fritzbakshi783]

listen to the original song from the album children of god

[@Sighbot]

Come into my heart, sweet Lord.

[@cptFracassa]

I really enjoy Swans live, but this is one if the (few) songs where the studio version is just soo much better
But then I consider the studio version of this song to be mye favourite Swans song, and among my 2-3 favourite songs of all time.

[@Eric-sb6rp]

Agreed, I do enjoy this version and find it interesting. But the album version is incredible, has always been one of my favorites in their catalog. I’ve always felt like their best songs have this sound like they’re dragging with urgency…sounds completely nonsensical but it makes sense in my head when I hear some of their stuff

[@chinthakuntlabalu9026]

Thanks to the universe

[@skeletspook]

The song is 'Sex, God, Sex' from the 'Children of God' album, although the album version is somewhat different.

[@hanaofangel]

SWANNNNNNNNNS ♥

[@76percent]

Epic

[@afkhajiit]

does he always cover his eyes before he starts singing this song?

[@AeselElisabeth]

I was at the concert, he was yelling at the bassplayer cus he was out of tune... He was pissed as a motherfucker

[@Acidific]

Æsel Fritzl He's a perfectionist in every concert! Also happened when i saw them live :3

[@reubenclaridge7555]

Pretty sure he’s getting frustrated with the bassist. He got really pissed off with the (same) bassist when I caught them a couple of years ago as well. You could just see the anger in his face and once the song they were playing was over, Gira had a bit of a rant at him. Think Gira was yelling at him that he should’ve ‘come in sooner’.

[@Anusia81]

I've seen Swans three times and every time Michael was angry at the bassist at some point lol

[@Isoviaergatis]

is he having problems with the mic or what?

[@empty7words]

Jesus, come down nooooow!

[@kkpgijsbers]

@sergeantshroom Thanks!

[@marcellixxx]

🥴 loving it lololol 🤣

[@NeshaV8]

No, he is just pissed at the bass player :)

[@hojima]

I think you just described most punk bands.

[@vishalraj8742]

Sexbp