Swans Unveil New Album ‘Birthing’ Featuring 19-Minute Masterpiece ‘I Am A Tower’

Explore Swans' latest album 'Birthing' and the 19-minute single 'I Am A Tower'. Get ready for a sonic journey!

Introduction to Swans’ New Album

Swans, the iconic experimental rock band from New York City, have just announced their 17th studio album titled ‘Birthing’. The album is set to be released on May 30, 2025, through Mute/Young God. Fans can dive into the anticipated sound with the new single ‘I Am A Tower’, the official lyric video for which is embedded below.

Details About ‘Birthing’

The follow-up to their 2023 release ‘The Beggar’, ‘Birthing’ promises to be a remarkable collection of sounds that the band has been crafting over time. In a heartfelt statement, frontman Michael Gira shared insights into the evolution of this project, emphasizing the creative process that unfolded during the course of a year-long tour.

“The material contained in this album was largely developed over the course of a yearlong Swans tour,” explained Gira. “Two pieces were created and performed in the studio.”

Gira’s process often begins with simple acoustic guitar melodies that evolve into intricate compositions, showcasing the band's signature experimental sound.

Immerse Yourself in ‘I Am A Tower’

With ‘I Am A Tower’ clocking in at a staggering 19 minutes, it’s a sprawling, atmospheric single that encapsulates the essence of Swans’ sound. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, this track invites you to lose yourself in its depths.

The Band’s Current Journey

Gira expresses immense gratitude towards his bandmates, stating, “I was blessed to have such a stellar group of musicians to work with live.” The synergy and improvisation among the group have significantly influenced the final sounds on ‘Birthing’. Gira also hints that this album, along with the recent live release ‘Live Rope’, marks an important transition in the band’s journey.

This album... constitutes my final foray into the all-consuming sound worlds that have been my obsession for years,” he said, indicating that Swans will continue, but in a “significantly pared down form” after their upcoming tour.

Album Release and Special Editions

Fans can look forward to various formats for purchasing the new record, including:

• Triple Vinyl (in a brown chipboard sleeve)
• Double CD (in a brown chipboard digi-pack)
• Digital Download

Pre-orders and pre-saves are available here.

To enhance the experience, initial pressings of the vinyl and CD editions will include a bonus DVD featuring Swans Live 2024 (Rope) The Beggar, a concert film directed by Marco Porsia. Additionally, the documentary ‘I Wonder If I’m Singing What You’re Thinking Me To Sing’ will also be included.

Tracklist for ‘Birthing’

The tracklist for Swans’ ‘Birthing’ is as follows:

• ‘The Healers’
• ‘I Am A Tower’
• ‘Birthing’
• ‘Red Yellow’
• ‘Guardian Spirit’
• ‘The Merge’
• ‘Rope’
• ‘Away’

Swans – ‘Birthing’, official album cover artwork. CREDIT: Josef Puleo

Looking Ahead

As the band prepares for the release of ‘Birthing’, they have plans for a final tour towards the end of 2025. Gira is also scheduled to perform some solo shows in Europe this spring. This album marks a pivotal moment in Swans’ history, and fans are eagerly anticipating the musical experience it will deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the release date for Swans’ album ‘Birthing’? The album is set for release on May 30, 2025.
• What is the length of the single ‘I Am A Tower’? The single runs for over 19 minutes.
• Who produced the album ‘Birthing’? The album was produced by Michael Gira.
• What formats will ‘Birthing’ be available in? It will be available in triple vinyl, double CD, and digitally.
• Will there be any special editions of the album? Yes, initial pressings will include a bonus DVD featuring live performances and documentaries.

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