Swans - Birthing

Pre-Order. Released 30th May, via Mute

Swans return with ‘Birthing’, the latest album, developed over the course of a year-long 2023 - 2024 tour.

Birthing’ is released via Mute and Young God Records.

Refined through relentless improvisation and live performance, as well as newly composed studio pieces, ‘Birthing’ is a testament to Michael Gira’s uncompromising sonic vision. Beginning as skeletal acoustic compositions, the songs were gradually expanded and transformed in the studio with longtime live members and collaborators.

“This album, coupled with the recent live release, ‘Live Rope’, constitutes my final foray (as producer / impresario) into the all-consuming sound worlds that have been my obsession for years. We’ll do a final tour in this mode towards the end of 2025, then that’s it. After that, Swans will continue, so long as I’m able, but in a significantly pared down form. Hints of that direction can be found in a few moments on the current album. In the meantime, my hope is that the music provides a positive and fertile atmosphere in which to dream.” - Michael Gira / Swans

Produced by Gira, Birthing was recorded at Soundfabrik Berlin, mixed at Candy Bomber Studio by Ingo Krauss and mastered by Doug Henderson at Micro-Moose.

Deluxe triple vinyl packaged in brown chipboard sleeve.

The initial pressings of the vinyl include a bonus DVD featuring a concert film by Marco Porsia documenting the band’s most recent US tour. The DVD also includes ‘I Wonder If I’m Singing What You’re Thinking Me To Sing’, a documentary by Christopher Nicholson following Michael Gira’s 2022 solo tour.