Swans at Firlej: Michael Gira and the New York avant-garde following the 2010 reunion

Gira’s legendary group went on tour after re-forming. The band led by Michael Gira will perform at Wrocław’s Firlej club on 9 December.

SWANS’ Polish appearances will form part of their world tour beginning this September. The group reunited in early 2010 to the delight of devoted fans worldwide! Gira’s band formed in 1982, becoming pioneers of no wave. They continued until 1997, when the end of Gira’s relationship with singer Jarboe, Swans’ other mainstay, also led to the band’s suspension. Swans emerged from the same New York avant-garde circles whose pillars include Sonic Youth and Lydia Lunch.

From the beginning, Swans’ extremely dark, complex recordings won acclaim from critics and alternative-music fans hungry for ambitious sounds. Their most important albums undoubtedly include “Children Of God” (1987) and “Feel Good Now” (1988), a live recording capturing their extraordinary performances with remarkable fidelity. Critics also single out “White Light from the Mouth of Infinity”, released in 1991.

After Swans disbanded in 1997, both Jarboe and Gira devoted themselves to their own projects. Gira formed The Angels Of Light and continued running Young God Records, which he had founded in 1990. The label released work by acclaimed artists including Devendra Banhart, Akron/Family, Lisa Germano and Calla.

Swans’ re-formation was announced on the band’s Myspace page in January 2010. The group is currently working on a new album and preparing for extensive touring.

Swans return with this line-up:

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