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Tonight: Swans w/Xiu Xiu

July 5, 2014

“Bring earplugs.” This advice, from your friendly neighborhood buffaBLOG editor-in-chief, isn’t just a gentle suggestion. Noise rockers Swans swoop into the 716 tonight, touring for their latest studio album, the critically acclaimed To Be Kind, and it’s going to be loud. Intensely, insanely loud. Frontman Michael Gira, who describes their shows as “soul-uplifting and body-destroying,” has actually dialed back on his stage presence since the band reformed in 2010, but he hasn’t turned the volume down, and he just might turn the air conditioning in the venue off before they go onstage. He likens this experience to one of a Native American sweat lodge, so if you want to get spiritually sweaty, this is the show for you. Formed in 1982, Swans were a staple of the New York no wave scene, and one of the only bands to maintain a long-term presence. They disbanded in 1997, and after a[...]

Just Announced: Swans

March 26, 2014

After playing one of the most blistering shows that the Tralf has held in some time, the long time post-punk outfit Swans is set to return to the downtown venue on Saturday, July 5th. Led my Michael Gira, the band is set to release the follow up to 2012’s critically claimed album The Seer on May 13th, a double album titled To Be Kind. You can listen to To Be Kind‘s first leaked song, “A Little God in My Hands,” below. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, March 28th, at noon for $15 in advance/$18 day of.