Noise masters return to form. Swans was one of the only bands that was affiliated with the no wave scene that gracefully moved into the new decade continuing to create their beautiful noise. The group disbanded in 1997 and was then rekindled by leader Michael Gira in 2010. ‘To Be Kind’ originally was released in 2014 and has been considered their strongest work since reforming. The triple LP was immediately praised by fans and critics alike. Given the best description one could conjure, “Anna Wilson of Clash praised the album, describing it as “Karlheinz Stockhausens jarring classicism, Captain Beefheart’s twisted blues, and the industrialism of Einstrzende Neubauten coalescing into a swirling musical miasma.” Noisy? Yes, but the group’s maturity is shown with brilliant notes of vintage, somewhat burlesque numbers that have to be experienced to be understood. Pressed on three LPs with poster insert and triple gatefold.

• triple vinyl pressing
• triple gatefold sleeve
• foldout poster
• music label: Young God Records 2014

reviewed by Smitty 3/2016