Not Here / Not Now
Swans · 2013
119 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock
An expansive journey through dissonant soundscapes, haunting vocals, and relentless rhythmic exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
To Be Kind Start here — Clocking in at over 16 minutes, this track encapsulates the album's themes of existential struggle and emotional intensity through its relentless build-up and cathartic release.
-
→
Coward — This track stands out with its raw vocal delivery and stark instrumentation, embodying a sense of vulnerability that contrasts sharply with the album's heavier moments.
-
→
She Loves Us! — With its sprawling structure and hypnotic progression, this piece serves as a centerpiece for the album's exploration of love intertwined with pain, showcasing Swans' unique ability to blend beauty with discomfort.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's expansive structure and unique sound make it a significant entry in Swans' discography.
What we noticed
- The album features lengthy tracks that often exceed ten minutes, allowing for gradual development and exploration of themes.
- Several tracks incorporate repetitive motifs that evolve over time, creating a hypnotic effect.
- Vocals are layered with dissonant instrumentation, often blending into the overall sound rather than standing out as traditional lead lines.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration of intensity
- wave-like pacing with tension
- immersive two-halves listening experience
- haunting textures and visceral impact
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, catchy tracks
- seek consistent energy throughout
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Deliberate departure in sound and structure, challenging conventional norms.
- Career context
- At the time of its release in 2013, Swans were experiencing a significant artistic resurgence after their reunion in 2010. 'Not Here / Not Now' followed their critically acclaimed album 'The Seer', and further cemented their influence in avant-garde music while showcasing the band's evolution as they blended noise rock with more melodic elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Godspeed You! Black Emperor· The Young Gods· Neurosis
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
To Be Kind
The pivotal moment where the vocalist shifts from anguished cries to a haunting whisper illustrates a profound inner conflict.
This shift not only alters the emotional landscape but also emphasizes the fragility of hope within despair, a recurring theme throughout the album.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 To Be Kind Start here 16:53
- 2 Just a Little Boy 10:03
- 3 Coward 7:23
- 4 She Loves Us! 15:14
- 5 Oxygen 7:20
Disc 2
- 1 The Seer / Bring the Sun / Toussaint l’ouverture 44:31
- 2 Nathalie Neal 7:54
- 3 Kirstin Supine (demo) 5:18
- 4 Screen Shot (demo) 4:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Shares expansive, dissonant soundscapes and emotional intensity through instrumental storytelling.
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Combines haunting vocals and relentless rhythms, creating a similarly dark and chaotic atmosphere.
Black Earth
Bohren & der Club of Gore
Explores slow, brooding soundscapes with an emotional weight that aligns with Swans' intensity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.