SOUNDTRACKS FOR THE BLIND

While it's obvious that this is not only Swans' breakthrough album, but one of their all-time masterpieces, it's safe to say that it's far from being accessible in the slightest: 140 minutes of post-rock can look tedious and overlong, which is why it's better to listen it side by side. Soundtracks For The Blind features a combination of Post-Rock, droning, and multiple string instruments.

As you can expect from a Post-Rock album, there isn't really much use of technicality or hardcore musicianship focused in surprising listeners with speed or agility, but rather of musicality and atmosphere achieved through classic rock instruments. Songs are very hypnotic and made to leave you in a trance, often recurring to droning. Build-ups are very common, specially in long tracks like Helpless child.

This isn't my favorite Swans album (that title belongs to To Be Kind), but it's without a doubt one of the cornerstones of Post-Rock, and one of their best records to date. Highly recommend, if you're not used to Post- Rock, try to listen to this album with an open mind. Close your eyes, relax, and let the atmosphere and mood takeover you.

Five Stars!

Share this SWANS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Nhelv
• Report this review (#2710231)
• Buy SWANS music online with PA partners
• Show all SWANS MP3/Stream
• Go to SWANS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Soundtracks for the Blind page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SWANS related discussions