Leaving Meaning
Swans · 2019
82 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock · progressive rock · post-punk
A sprawling tapestry of dark, immersive soundscapes layered with haunting vocal melodies and stark emotional resonance.
Why this album works
'Leaving Meaning' received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, being praised for its ambitious sound and depth. It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, demonstrating Swans' enduring relevance in the alternative music landscape. The album's exploration of themes like existence and consciousness resonated deeply within the avant-garde community, influencing newer artists and contributing to ongoing discussions about the nature of music and emotion.
- Best for
- immersive soundscapes for deep listening dynamic exploration of dark themes wave-like pacing with emotional weight
- Context
- Released in 2019, 'Leaving Meaning' is Swans' first album after a five-year hiatus following the critically acclaimed 'To Be Kind'. The band, led by Michael Gira, continued to push their avant-garde boundaries, building on the momentum of their previous works while exploring new sonic depths. This album marks a significant moment as it was also the beginning of a new era for Swans, incorporating diverse influences and textures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alanis Morissette· Weezer· Neil Young· Green Day· John Mayer· Yoko Ono· Iggy Pop· No Doubt
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Annaline 5:13
- 2 The Hanging Man Standout 9:59
- 3 Amnesia 5:51
- 4 Leaving Meaning Standout 10:48
- 5 Sunfucker 10:16
Disc 2
- 1 Hums 1:46
- 2 Cathedrals of Heaven Standout 7:49
- 3 The Nub 10:33
- 4 It's Coming It's Real 7:41
- 5 What Is This? 6:07
- 6 My Phantom Limb 6:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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