Search - Swans :: Children of God

Haunting, atmospheric music

Pieter | Johannesburg | 10/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is also available as Disc One of the double CD reissue titled Children Of God/World Of Skin where it contains the extra track I'll Swallow You. This original 1987 CD has a colorful foldout with fascinating pictures of a young Michael Gira and Jarboe. Children Of God represents a transition of the Swans' sound from brutal industrial noise to a seductive softer approach. New Mind and Beautiful Child are the only harsh numbers that hark back to their earlier work; elsewhere the mood is one of resignation or sorrow over mostly gentle instrumentation.The music is very atmospheric with innovative arrangements, like the beautiful melodic piece Like A Drug (Sha La La La). The overall theme is the futility of love as expressed in seemingly gentle but awesome songs like Our Love Lies, You're Not Real Girl, Real Love and Blind Love. Fans of dark, eerie music will love this album. It explores the type of emotion that can also occasionally be found in the work of artists like Nick Cave, Peter Murphy, Meredith Monk, Nick Drake, Nico, Velvet Underground, John Cale etc. or in sacred medieval music. In many ways Children Of God presents this Gothic mood in an extreme form. Swans are an acquired taste, but once you understand the music, you'll be addicted for life. If this album appeals to you, you might also want to investigate their other masterpieces The Great Annihilator & Love Of Life, as well as the albums New Mother, How I Loved You and Everything Is Good Here/Please Come home by Gira's latest project The Angels Of Light."

Cult classic

Nellie | 01/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This amazing cd was named in the Top 100 albums ever by Alternative Press magazine.

The photos on the front and back are of Norman Westberg (guitarist) and Jarboe (vocals, keyboard, songwriter).

In terms of "classic" I put it right up there with Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon."