The Seer

[milly balgeary]

Who else is wrestling with this dark, dark lord?

[reebty]

I've only had time to listen to it once. I feel as if it'd be half-assed to listen to it one half at a time or have to divide my attention between it and something less important like work. The album itself isn't half-assed, I'll say that much.

[edison]

Not yet, but I am currently busy being introduced to Swans by GI's "Earlier Swans" mix!

[jebreject]

I can't wait to listen.

[Good Intentions]

Not yet, but I am currently busy being introduced to Swans by GI's "Earlier Swans" mix!

The Seer doesn't sound anything like that stuff, I should warn you. It's more like the longer tracks on the 'later Swans' mix.

I've still only streamed the album, I'll pick up a copy this week.

[Good Intentions]

I think 'The Avatar' is my favourite track on here.

[milly balgeary]

I am finding this one a real difficult listen. I know it's supposed to be, sort of, but it is ... very hard for me to sit through.

[Good Intentions]

It is 90 minutes. Not the type of punchy, song-driven Swans album which is my favourite type. It sounds pretty much exactly like what it is, something crafted on the road by a unit who have developed a very tight understanding with each other--this reminds me a lot of the Swans Are Dead 2CD live comp, except updated with the later Angels of Light sound. I've seen an interview where Gira says that Ummagumma-era Pink Floyd was an influence here. At a few points I'd even name-check Can--the same sprawling but tight performances of repetitive themes. I have no doubt that these tracks would burn the fucking stage down and salt the ashen earth when done live.

[jebreject]

And I can't afford to see them when they come here

[tort]

I went to see them - I'm only familiar with Angels of Light - one of the best shows I've ever been to, for what that is worth. I'm finally getting The Seer tomorrow. I could hear the Can or at least krautrock influence at the show. Really good.

[reebty]

The Seer Returns sounds kind of Amon Duul 2-ish to me, but I don't think I could back that up in court.

[Captain]

It is 9\I have no doubt that these tracks would burn the fucking stage down and salt the ashen earth when done live.

Saw them a couple weeks ago and this is accurate. No encore, but the set was about 2 hours long. So heavy, so unrelenting. It was kind of like watching the pyramids being built or something. "Apostate" as closer was definitely the high-point. There's this moment where Gira starts shouting these seemingly meaningless guttural utterances (sounds like "ch-oat" and "cha" to me)... really eerie when I saw them.

Also, that band seems like the least fun band to be in. Gira raked a couple of players over the coals between songs. "Why is this so hard for you?" is what I overheard. Everytime Gira came over toward a band member, it was like you could see that individual seize up and then relax when Gira's gaze passed elsewhere.

[Good Intentions]

There's this moment where Gira starts shouting these seemingly meaningless guttural utterances (sounds like "ch-oat" and "cha" to me)... really eerie when I saw them.

Reminds me of the most terrifying thing I ever heard recorded, which is during the cut of 'Sex God Sex' on 'Kill the Child' where, bursting out of the grind and the feedback, Gira starts shouting out 'Praise God! Praise the Lord!'

[tort]

It is 9\I have no doubt that these tracks would burn the fucking stage down and salt the ashen earth when done live.

Saw them a couple weeks ago and this is accurate. No encore, but the set was about 2 hours long. So heavy, so unrelenting. It was kind of like watching the pyramids being built or something. "Apostate" as closer was definitely the high-point. There's this moment where Gira starts shouting these seemingly meaningless guttural utterances (sounds like "ch-oat" and "cha" to me)... really eerie when I saw them.

Also, that band seems like the least fun band to be in. Gira raked a couple of players over the coals between songs. "Why is this so hard for you?" is what I overheard. Everytime Gira came over toward a band member, it was like you could see that individual seize up and then relax when Gira's gaze passed elsewhere.

It did seem that he was "conducting" the band. For maybe 10 minutes when they started playing, Gira stood with his back to the audience shaking his arms out like he was getting ready for a prize fight, or in the midst of being possessed or something. It was awesome. A True Believer. I picked up the vinyl yesterday. Wondering when I will ever have 90 free minutes to listen to the whole thing. Probably never.

[narlus]

Swans tonight!