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Leaving Meaning.
by
Leaving Meaning. Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

  • Summary: The 15th full-length studio release for the experimental rock band led by Michael Gira features contributions from such artists as Baby Dee, Ben Frost, A Hawk and a Hacksaw, The Necks, Anna and Maria von Hausswolff, as well as former Swans members: Thor Harris, Christopher Pravdica, PhilThe 15th full-length studio release for the experimental rock band led by Michael Gira features contributions from such artists as Baby Dee, Ben Frost, A Hawk and a Hacksaw, The Necks, Anna and Maria von Hausswolff, as well as former Swans members: Thor Harris, Christopher Pravdica, Phil Puleo, Paul Wallfisch, and Norman Westberg.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 1, 2019
    90
    In its bone-chilling, earnest spirit, we witness Swans maintaining a power they never lost – we see them exceeding expectations, branding themselves as a seismic force in experimental rock, and here, they continue to touch on that greatness.
  2. Record Collector
    Nov 13, 2019
    80
    Vocally, Leaving Meaning is especially strong, with an atypical abundance of words appearing to have pushed Gira to experiment with their delivery.
  3. Uncut
    Oct 25, 2019
    80
    The template remains intact, with monotony fundamental: The Necks lend the title track's repetitions a shimmering, slowly evolving transcendence, Anna Von Hauswolff and sister maria provide bloodcurdling shrieks on the devastating, pummelling "Sunfucker," and Baby Dee adds voodoo magic to "The Nub." [Dec 2019, p.32]
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  4. Under The Radar
    Nov 26, 2019
    80
    The latest iteration of Gira's fierce, frightening Swans is a quieter, subtler beast perhaps—but it's no less an intense, oppressive, challenging, and magical experience than those created on vinyl by their recent "classic" lineup. Torture it may be, but it's never felt so sweet.
  5. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 13, 2019
    70
    This is music to immerse yourself in, lose yourself within its many complexities and layers of sound, sudden explosions of light and directed commentary; always fascinating, challenging and densely packed. Sepulchral, sombre, challenging, claustrophobic. [Dec 2019, p.85]
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  6. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 18, 2019
    62
    In spite of my own misgivings towards Leaving Meaning., it is an admirable effort that doesn't tell us much about what the future has in store, but to make people aware that Swans aren't quite dead...yet.
  7. The Wire
    Nov 20, 2019
    50
    Leaving Meaning has all of the reassuring turgidity and tortured self-importance devotees have come to expect plus a cast of name contributors (The Necks, Ben Frost, Baby Dee, Anna von Hausswolff among others) for that vital essence of “Well, if they’re working with him, he’s probably OK, right?” [Dec 2019, p.57]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. jeffw2004
    Oct 27, 2019
    10
    Transcendent. Love the new direction. I hope this is fleshed out more in subsequent releases.
  2. LucasMolto
    Nov 19, 2019
    10
    Como es habitual un disco de la hostia. En la línea de los anteriores pero algo más (anti)folk.
  4. Jaeden
    Oct 26, 2019
    9
    The new Swans album is one of the best of the year, the 1 hour and 33-minute length is perfect. Gira and company pull the listener into theseThe new Swans album is one of the best of the year, the 1 hour and 33-minute length is perfect. Gira and company pull the listener into these amazing drones/grooves. On the track "The Hanging Man" you are pulled into this groove that almost makes you feel like your falling into a never-ending hole while Gira narrates your fall. The title track is a relaxing drone, almost preparing you for what's coming next. Then there's the track "Sunf*cker" where Gira is wailing, the tension is building only to be released into this hypnotizing groove. Afterwards, there's the track "The Nub", a track with a very sinister drone. I found when I heard "What is this?" I thought the album was over, the track really wraps the album up but then "My Phantom Limb" played and I felt this sense of overwhelming chaos wash up over me.… Expand
  5. OliverMalmskold
    Dec 29, 2019
    9
    The best album released in 2019! It's not as good as their album TO BE KIND, but still amazing!
  6. arborealsleep
    Nov 8, 2019
    9
    A cool-down like this is everything I could ever want from Mr Gira after such earth-shattering trilogy.
  7. Kebber10
    Oct 26, 2019
    7
    Helped to while away the time cleaning out the small room. A bit repetitive but that added to the zenness of the job