Michael Gira, the front man of the Swans, has released news of a new 2CD live set designed to raise funds for the band’s forthcoming (and, it would seem) final album. Building on a precedent set when the band first returned to action with the remarkable ‘my father will guide me up a rope to the sky’, the 2CD set will be hand made and strictly limited. Although SonicAbuse has not seen an actual copy of the latest effort, previous material from Michael Gira has been beautifully wrought and there is no reason to assume that this collector’s piece will be any different. The tour, from which the music for this release was culled, was phenomenal, with the band unleashing a performance that was unforgettable for all those present, and this CD set will provide the perfect souvenir for those present. What follows below is Michael’s own press release about the new live set:
“the 2xCD live SWANS handmade fundraiser event/portal of support for our (in)glorious efforts is now up at this link (younggodrecords.com/products/the-gate). The live 2xCD is called The Gate. I believe it captures the live SWANS experience effectively. The woodblock print is by Nicole Boitos and I draw all over each one and sign it as well. Each one is unique. They’re numbered 1 – 2500 and won’t be available elsewhere… The upcoming album (as yet untitled) will be the last with this core group (comprised of my beautiful friends Norman, Christoph, Thor, Phil, Christopher and myself) and the subsequent (marathon) tour in 2016 will be our last together. As such, I am determined to make this album the most fully realized, cataclysmic, subtle and nuanced, heartfelt and inspirational, truthful and luminous recording that we have yet undertaken. As always, your valued (and quite necessary) support in this perhaps quixotic endeavor is sincerely appreciated. I love you! I thank you!“
