Swans: To Be Kind

Cynical intellectuals rejoice, as Screech and Drone powerhouse Swans release their latest, "To Be Kind." A follow up, and companion, to 2012's "The Seer,"  "To Be Kind" follows the same formula of dire straits, ominous repetition, and guttural noises, that have made them so acclaimed within the NYC art scene since the New Wave era.  This latest release follows the relative structure of drawn out songs, beginning in  vast soundscapes, and swells with intensity until a giant crescendo. Swans customary darkness notwithstanding, there is, indeed, a lighter tone on "To Be Kind."  It would be an unrealistic claim to call it carefree, but perhaps this is the close as Michael Gira (Swans front man, and band visionary) will get.  The albums resulting juxtaposition makes "To Be Kind" one of the most experimental albums of 2014, as well as one of the most difficult to absorb.