I think the website of Doornroosje describes it perfectly. How to describe Swans?

Already active for more than four decades they managed incorporate different styles. From noise to acoustic and back to industrial, even slightly gothic regions, Swans is always evolving yet indistinguishable Swans. And resurged since 2010 they managed to spawn quite some (lengthy) but superb albums such as “The Seer” and “To be Kind”. I haven’t had the pleasure to listen to their most recent outputs but did have the chance to witness them live two times, and now they are back in Doornroosje. Thrilled to see what they have to offer this time since Michael Gira and his comrades are always intense, surprising and on top of their game. This evening was completely sold out, and with a melange of young and old audience it was an evening to remember. It well could be the last time we see the legendary Swans perform on stage in the Netherlands.

But first violist and composer Jessica Moss provides us with her dark, dreamy, gloomy and very atmospheric ambient-like soundscapes making sure that the right atmosphere is delivered. The music feels as if you are dreaming…..sometimes feverish but also at time a very vast sleep were you are meandering in both the conscious and the subconscious.

Unfortunately, I had some severe parking problems at Nijmegen. I was too late and could only witness the last fifteen minutes, what I saw was, although it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, impressive. With only a violin, some attributes, a loop station and some pedals (if I’m correct) and her voice she made the entire audience silence. The music was introvert, dark, brittle yet had quite an impact on the audience. She was well applauded when the show ended, probably deservedly so.

After listening some terrible muzak (in my opinion) mr. Gira enters the stage asking, or better said commanding, everyone not to use their mobile phones, and except from some people in the back everyone does. Then slowly Swans start building momentum. Setting all pieces in place….in order to generate a trip worth your time and energy.

Gira orchestrates and narrates the entire show. Sometime with subtle gestures, sometimes commanding (especially when he’s not happy with something) but one thing is sure: he is the absolute captain of the Swan-ship. Unfortunately, in my opinion, no older tracks are being presented.

The show has a duration of two and a half hour with five lengthy songs. It takes some concentrating but it pays of. The songs are being build up gradually, intensify and gain momentum. It is sometimes brittle yet always intense in the end. It sounds like well orchestrated eclectic chaos with one sole purpose: enthrall the audience. And it succeeds almost effortlessly. It is absolutely mesmerizing what Gira and co are pulling of on the stage. It’s like a ritual were noise-rock, drone, country and other styles merge in an ocean of sound pushing you and pulling you towards a higher conscience. Absolutely stunning!

All the musicians are top notch. Norman Westberg (guitar), Larry Mullins (percussion/drums), Phil Puleo (percussion), bass player Christopher Pravdica and Dana Schlechter on bass and keyboards are a well oiled organic machine which can conjure a sound like no one can. And together with mr. Gira’s almost shamanistic charisma and unique vocals you are being held in captivity in an other world for two and a half hours. At times it was very harsh at times it was almost serene but you can be damn sure it was an intense trip only Swans can deliver!

I was fortunate to attend this concert (thank you Doornroosje!). And people: if you have the chance to attend a Swans show, go for it! It is worth your time (and money). As said before I think the will have a last curtain call very soon. It would be a pity to miss out on something extraordinary. Thoroughly enjoyed myself with this one!

Tracklist Swans:

The End of Forgetting

The Merge

Paradise is Mine

A Little God in My Hands

Newly Sentient Being