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Swans' album "The Burning World" is probably one of their most accessible releases. It is by far the most dark folk-rock oriented of all of their offerings, alongside "White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity". There are no traces of industrial or drone atmospheres present – this is Michael Gira and Jarboe at their most simplistic, hurtful, and depressing; despite its fairly conventional modes and song structures, "The Burning World" is an excellent album.
The instrumentation on The Burning World is very folkish: the main focus is on acoustic guitars enhanced by occasional string (violin, etc.) and flute or whistle melodies. Swans, of course, put their own twist on the music. Many of the songs have fairly upbeat sounding melodies, and are very heartfelt. When coupled with the lyrics, however, these songs become anthems of the hopeless and lost in life. Michael Gira croons out words of sorrow, relating stories of dying old, alone, ruined, and forgotten. Truly this music creates a deep sense of emptiness within the listener. Several standout tracks are the very slightly eastern-tinged "Let It Come Down" and the mournful "Jane Mary, Cry One Tear". These songs are undisputed ballads of hopelessness and depression. As an added bonus, a cover of the Joy Division song "Love Will Tear Us Apart" is included. This is sung by Michael Gira rather than Jarboe, and is one of the best songs on the album – masterfully interpreted.
"The Burning World" isn't for the light of heart or the easily upset. Though the music may at times sound upbeat, there is always an underlying current of despair. The album has a perfect atmosphere and vibe pervading it, and this leaves the listener seeking more, no matter how dark the themes are. Musically, The Burning World is nearly perfect. Swans know what they are doing, and they do a masterful job of executing every last crescendo and lightly driving chorus. There is a great amount of variety on this disc, showing Swans' various influences and revealing their broad talent. The songs are all sonically related however, and are all definitely chapters from the same depressing book.
For those who like Swans' apocalyptic-folk style, The Burning World is an absolute standard and must-have. Those who enjoyed White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity will definitely like this CD. Also, The Burning World is an excellent introduction point for the music of Swans. Unfortunately, this is a very hard to acquire recording. Highly recommended.
| Tracklist |
| 1. The River That Runs With Love Won't Run Dry |
| 2. Let It Come Down |
| 3. Can't Find My Way Home |
| 4. Mona Lisa, Mother Earth |
| 5. (She's A) Universal Emptiness |
| 6. Saved |
| 7. I Remember Who You Are |
| 8. Jane Mary, Cry One Tear |
| 9. See No More |
| 10. God Damn The Sun |
| 11. Love Will Tear Us Apart [Joy Division cover] |
: 47.42
| Buy other Swans albums |
