Children Of God
Young Gods, 2020
10/10
This 5th album from Michael Gira’s seminal, experimental rock band Swans was released way back in 1987, and here it sees the reissue treatment and includes the live disc, Feel Good Now, which was recorded on the Children Of God tour in 1987, and then released in 1988.
“New Mind” starts the listen with an ominous and droning quality as firm guitars, strategic backing vocals and repetition is turned into a refined science, and “In My Garden” follows with a softer, dreamy approach, where soft vocals from Jarboe, warm piano and plenty of atmosphere make for a pretty and mysterious landscape.
Each of the 13 tracks on this disc are exceptional, and radiate their respective strengths, including the thundering “Sex, God, Sex”, where Gira’s deep pipes suit the slow, metallic climate, while “Like A Drug (Sha La La La)” displays Ted Parsons’ strong drumming amid Algis Kizys’ jagged guitar work in some form of rhythmic noise-rock. “Beautiful Child”, one of the most abrasive tunes, then builds into an ebullient display of power and brutality that nearly seems religious.
A record that illustrated much diversity in their song craft, deeper tracks like “Real Love” offer a calmer moment where harmonicas are present, and “Children Of God” exits the listen with Jarboe’s soulful singing front and center, as Swans’ avant-garde approach is both ambitious and exciting.
The live disc was actually recorded on a professional walkman, and is entirely songs from Children Of God, though the running order does differ. Often much more raw then the recorded versions, Feel Good Now has Gira’s vocals occasionally reaching rage like features, as the guitars are often louder, effectively making tracks like “Blind Love” sound like it’s on steroids. Additionally, there’s in between song banter included, some of which is quite humorous.
Considered the band’s best work by many of their fans, Children Of God sounds better than ever on this remastered version, and the accompanying disc is a great way to experience the roaring execution of their live show. Both the first time listener and longtime fan will find much to enjoy on this double disc.
Travels well with: Selfless Orchestra- Great Barrier; you. Guru- Young Adult Fiction