This autumn we will have the opportunity to experience the American experimental rock band Swans with the supporting act of the long-time guitarist of Swans, Norman Westberg, in the Baltics:
25.10. Estonia, Tallinn, Techno club HALL
27.10. Latvia, Riga, Mežaparks Grand Bandstand's Kokaru Hall
28.10. Lithuania, Vilnius, Church of St. Johns (sold out)
Swans are majestic, beautiful-looking creatures with really ugly temperaments. The same could be said for Swans' music, which challenges listeners with themes such as suffering, existence, and power relations in sensitive, melodic sounds.
Swans released their sixteenth studio album, The Beggar, on June 23rd. In the words of the band's founder, Michael Gira:
After numerous pandemic-induced cancellations of tours for the previous Swans album leaving meaning, and an apparent bottomless pit of waiting, waiting, waiting, and the strange disorientation that came with this sudden but interminable forced isolation I decided it was time to write songs for a new Swans album and forget about everything else. They came relatively easily, always informed by the suspicion that these could be my last. When I finally was able to travel, songs in hand, to Berlin to work with my friends recording this record, the feeling was akin to the moment in The Wizard of Oz when the film changes from Black and White to Color. Now I’m feeling quite optimistic. My favourite color is pink. I hope you enjoy the album.
Norman Westberg was a long-time member of Swans, who was with the band both during its debut, and its resurrection in 2010. This time, on "The Beggar" tour, Westberg will accompany the group as a supporting artist. In Westberg's music, you can hear persistence, subtlety, and a melody hidden in the rhythm. During the performance, the listener is completely overwhelmed by the sound and performance, placing the artist in the background.
Swans is an American experimental rock band founded by Michael Gira in 1982. Known for their relentless sonic intensity and uncompromising artistic vision, Swans have been influential in shaping experimental and alternative music scenes. With a discography spanning over four decades, Swans continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their transcendent live performances.
