What Is This? cover

What Is This?

Swans · 2019

67 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock · progressive rock · post-punk

A haunting exploration of soundscapes marked by dissonant melodies and profound introspection.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with gradual peaks
  • haunting soundscapes for deep introspection
  • immersive experience for focused listening
  • exploratory journey through dissonance
  • reflective moments for solitude

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer upbeat instant gratification
  • seek short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2019, 'What Is This?' is Swans' first studio album in four years, following the critically acclaimed 'The Glowing Man.' This period marked a significant phase in the band’s evolution, as they embraced a more introspective and experimental approach while continuing to challenge their audience's expectations.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Leaving Meaning 6:32
  • 2 The Hanging Man 10:02
  • 3 Amnesia 6:10
  • 4 The Nub 5:49
  • 5 Cathedrals of Heaven 6:20
  • 6 Sunfucker 6:29
  • 7 What Is This? 5:20
  • 8 My Phantom Limb 11:24
  • 9 Annaline 3:50
  • 10 It’s Coming and It’s Real 5:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata