|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CD
|
|
TYPE 063CD
|
In April 2008, American noise duo Yellow Swans (comprised of Peter Swanson and Gabriel Mindel) announced their decision to split. The news was a shock to the noise community, not least because the band had become a regular fixture in the live arena -- touring incessantly and garnering a huge, dedicated following in the process. What the duo neglected to announce, however, was that a final album was already in the works, and while they would not tour together again, steps were being taken to finish off their crowning achievement. Going Places is Yellow Swans' conclusion as an entity, and sees the duo looking inward to create their most introspective work to-date. It shouldn't be surprising given the climate in which the record was put together, but without the constant touring, Swanson and Mindel allowed themselves to take their time on the record and allow the tracks to breathe somewhat. The resulting collection is distilled and reflective, retaining the grit and damage of their earlier work but adding layers of harmony and, maybe more surprisingly, pulsing rhythms. The improvisational, psychedelic washes that have always enriched their sound are tempered and controlled, leaving an almost Kosmische narrative. The drifting, subtle beauty that characterized 2007's At All Ends has emerged even further in the mix, and Mindel's guitar is allowed to play foil to Swanson's piercing noise. Comparisons could be made to Tim Hecker or even Brian Eno in parts, but Yellow Swans' harsher edge sets them apart from many of their peers. No doubt some listeners might be put off by Yellow Swans' noise background, but make no mistake, Going Places is one of the most haunting and engrossing albums yet to appear on the Type label. Swanson and Mindel prove, if proof was ever needed, that there is beauty in dense cacophony, and Going Places is the perfect way to close a startling career.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
MAV 060CD
|
Limited edition 500 copies, packaged in a 3-panel cardboard relief sleeve with 3-D artwork. Four untitled tracks recorded in Amsterdam, May 17th, 2007.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
2LP
|
|
WEIRD 016LP
|
2005 release. "This is the third Yellow Swans vinyl release on Weird Forest and they've really tattooed it out of the ballpark on this one. It's a pulse-pounding, synapse-blasting expedition straight to the cacophonous pleasure points of your innards. It must also be known that it's one of the most grooving releases I've heard all year, dig? Makes me shake it maniacal. Yellow Swans? Yeah, they do all these things, baby. Their ultimate release -- simply phenomenal -- features a treasure-trove of guests including Christina Carter, Inca Ore, Axolotl, The Dead Science, Gerritt, Silentist, The Cherry Point, Leif Sundstrom, White Rainbow, and Jeremy Romagna." Includes a side-long bonus track not on the CD versions! This is the vinyl edition of the CD release on Load Records. Limited to 1000 copies."
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
LP
|
|
WEIRD 010LP
|
"At All Ends is the third major record in the Yellow Swans vast body of work. This record is an assured record of chiming drone and heady pelvic sky fuckery. New sounds emerge from the Yellow Swans camp that are more hushed, and whisper with the logic of deep space. Whereas the last record was a laser beam-guided minimal transmission with dark overtones, this new release injects sonic clouds full of pink Oxycontin. Guitar lines sketch out a melodic vision that stupifies with hypnotic repetition with layer upon layer of rich and dense guitar chug build into multi-orgasm songscapes that leave the loins sore and the mind spent. An exhausting journey into pleasure and single-mindedness. Elements of lush drone stretch the proceedings in vast strokes. Yellow Swans veer towards Krautrock territory with this new record, and it will go down in the big books as their most beautiful and vibrant record thus far. Limited to 1000 copies with beautiful single pocket gatefold jackets with art by Jamie Potter."
|