SWANS - Birthing (2025)
Much like the stunning releases by Coil, this album demands time, dedication, patience. And an openness to embrace everything that isn’t necessarily radiant or uniform in front of us. As I listen, I can’t avoid minimizing its effect, noticing its resemblance to The Ape of Naples. At times, it almost feels like you can hear Bowie’s Heroes again; and of course, Mogwai. I reflect on the style of the album, the musical categories that define it... I consider the decision to create an album like this KNOWING there’s nothing truly new beneath the sun. This brings to mind the ongoing discussion about content, which claims it is worthwhile to share with new generations things that, though already done, deserve to be revisited. It is by no means a cutting-edge piece set on upending established rules. This is a record with sincere lyrics, appealing though familiar sounds... one of those albums that lets you outwardly champion the presence of “alternative” releases, when deep down you know that, for some time now, boredom and a sense of déjà vu have flattened (almost?) everything you listen to.