Swans (EP)

The Swans EP is the first release by the experimental rock band Swans.

Although rooted in the no wave scene and different from the Swans' forthcoming releases in its prominent use of a saxophonist and relative absence of brutality, the EP remains an intense listen, demonstrating the early stages in the evolution of the violent, repetitious and noisy style that the Swans' earlier releases would become known for. The EP also remains an interesting insight into the roots of experimental noise rock.

The EP was re-EQ'd by M. Gira and S. McAllister, remastered, and appended to the 1990 reissue of the follow-up Filth LP on Gira's own Young God label. On the reissue CD the tracks are in a different order; the tracks on each side of the EP are reversed.

Among Swans fans who have heard both releases, it is a widely held belief that the original vinyl mix is far superior to the reissued mix. Unfortunately the original vinyl mix is either lost or has been suppressed from rerelease. The 1990 Filth CD on which the EP was reissued is long out of print. Although Filth was reissued again by Young God in 1999 the EP was not included there, nor has it appeared on any subsequent Young God Records reissue.

Original vinyl track listing

1. "Laugh" – 4:06
2. "Speak" – 4:31
3. "Take Advantage" – 4:29
4. "Sensitive Skin" – 6:16

CD reissue track listing

1. "Speak" – 4:31
2. "Laugh" – 4:06
3. "Sensitive Skin" – 6:16
4. "Take Advantage" – 4:29

Musicians

• Michael Gira – bass/vocals
• Jonathan Kane – drums
• Bob Pezzola - guitar
• Daniel Galli-Duani - saxophone

References