What makes A Screw by Swans notable?

'A Screw' garnered attention for its abrasive sound and helped solidify Swans' reputation as innovators within the post-industrial movement. The album's distinct approach influenced a generation of experimental musicians and has been referenced in critiques for its contributions to the noise rock genre. In 1986, Swans were still establishing their identity in the underground music scene, having released their debut album in 1983. 'A Screw' represents a pivotal moment where they began to refine their sound, blending harsh industrial elements with more melodic undertones, setting the stage for future works.

How many songs are on A Screw?

A Screw has 3 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

A Screw

Swans · 1986

15 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A harrowing exploration of noise, dissonance, and haunting melodies that challenges conventional song structures.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
A Screw (Holy Money) (mix) — This track exemplifies Swans' ability to fuse chaotic noise with moments of haunting beauty, creating an unsettling yet captivating listening experience.
→
Blackmail — Through its relentless rhythm and stark vocals, this track showcases the band's exploration of themes like power dynamics and existential dread.
→
A Screw — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, merging raw intensity with lyrical ambiguity that invites deep listener engagement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The EP's harsh soundscapes and cyclical structure mark a significant step in Swans' evolution, influencing future experimental music.

What we noticed

The EP consists of three tracks, with the first and last being variations on the same theme, creating a cyclical structure.
Each track features extended instrumental sections dominated by dissonant guitar feedback and industrial percussion, often overwhelming traditional melodic elements.
The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing for moments of tension to build before abrupt shifts into chaotic noise.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped solidify Swans' reputation as innovators in the post-industrial movement.
Themes: industrial noise· existential power struggles
Career context: In 1986, Swans were still establishing their identity in the underground music scene, having released their debut album in 1983. 'A Screw' represents a pivotal moment where they began to refine their sound, blending harsh industrial elements with more melodic undertones, setting the stage for future works.
Stylistic neighbors: Godspeed You! Black Emperor· The Young Gods· Neurosis