Good news for all you Christians, Superman readers, fans of Dr. Who, et. al: “Resurrection” is not just for fan-fiction anymore; it’s now A TOTALLY EMPIRICAL FACT!
Following 2017’s (willful) dissolution of Swans in its then-current iteration, Michael Gira has resuscitated the band for album number fifteen. It’s called Leaving Meaning, and it’s out October 25 via Mute/Young God.
Written and produced by Gira, the album will feature contributions “from recent and former Swans” (including members of Angels of Light) as well as a “revolving cast” of guest artists like Anna and Maria von Hausswolff, Ben Frost, The Necks, Baby Dee, and a Hawk and a Hacksaw.” In fact, here’s a cute yearbook photo of everyone involved:
I know what your thinking: “OMG! This is insane! This is a miracle!! Why now?! Why here?!? Who the fuck ARE all these people?!?! I can’t read ANY of that shit!!!! Well, according to Gira:
Swans is now comprised of a revolving cast of musicians, selected for both their musical and personal character, chosen according to what I intuit best suits the atmosphere in which I’d like to see the songs I’ve written presented. In collaboration with me, the musicians, through their personality, skill and taste, contribute greatly to the arrangement of the material. They’re all people whose work I admire and whose company I personally enjoy.
Sooo, in other words: MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, plebeian! And right now, your “business” includes the following:
• Head here to pre-order the album on digital, CD, or double-vinyl.
• Listen to the appropriately-titled first single “It’s Coming It’s Real” (featuring the aforementioned Anna and Maria von Hausswolff on backing vocals) down below, followed by Swans’ *ALWAYS SCINTILLATING* album artwork and the new album’s full tracklist.
Easy, peasy, Hallelujah! Boy, if “God” had the Internet 2000 years ago, everything would have been a whole lot less messy.
Leaving Meaning tracklisting:
01. Hums
02. Annaline
03. The Hanging Man
04. Amnesia - with Anna and Maria von Hausswolff on backing vocals
05. Leaving Meaning - feat.The Necks
06. Sunfucker - with Anna and Maria von Hausswolff on backing vocals
07. Cathedrals of Heaven
08. The Nub - with Baby Dee on guest vocals, also feat. The Necks
09. It’s Coming It’s Real - feat. Anna and Maria von Hausswolff on backing vocals
10. Some New Things - digital / CD only
11. What Is This
12. My Phantom Limb