The industrial movement has come and gone in mainstream music, but its dark history is constantly being rediscovered by those looking for obscure albums released years ago. The Thirsty Ear label released The Swans two-disc set, Cop/Greed/Holy Money, a collaboration of early material from the band dating back to 1984. The first disc is a harsh example of the rawness early industrial music possessed, with monotonous drumming and eerie sound effects lacing the drawl of the vocalist and simple bass patterns. This was ‘electronic’ music at its birth, which is why some of the material may sound weak when compared to juggernauts of the early 90’s like Ministry and early NIN. Regardless, The Swans helped to create the industrial/gothic movement and their early material is the basic stepping stone to ominous sounding music.
The second disc in the set contains material from their late 1985 release. There is a tighter, stronger structure present on many of these tracks, while their creativity takes an upswing in songs like “Blackmail”, “Stupid Child”, and “Coward”. It’s in these cuts that one can see the growth and evolution of the band, all the while maintaining the evil and dark aura of their sound. They rarely stray from the formula that kept them from the limelight, opting instead to stay underground where fan appreciation seems to be more genuine.
The Swans’ simple structure made them legendary in cult circles, but almost invisible to the general public. Some music belongs to the underground, and this release from The Swans is a perfect indicator as to why. It’s dark, it’s creepy, but to some, it’s the most original music that they have ever heard.
+ rick hinkson
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