I have sporadically followed Swans for the last several years, experiencing the noise and fury of the early albums to the more intricate, intriguing melodies and sounds of albums such as Omniscience and Soundtracks for the Blind. M.Gira is a talented writer who weaves soundscapes unlike anyone else.

I found out about his newest project by sheer accident. But what a happy accident! I cannot believe the depth of this album. While his images are still difficult and at times brutal, invoking addictions, guilt, shame, and need, they are more intriguing than ever. Perhaps the 'softer' edge to the music makes it that much more stark, without the raging noise to hide the feelings invoked by the lyrics.