For fans of: Glenn Branca's guitar orchestra, Francis Bacon's paintings, Hermann Nitsch, Ben Frost

What Jefferson says: Michael Gira returns with his towering noise rock outfit Swans to deliver another titanic slab of dynamic songwriting, commanding post-punk rhythms and engulfing tonal swells. Joining him on this journey are longtime percussionists Larry Mullins and Phil Puleo, Angels of Light bassist and keyboardist Dana Schechter, Icelandic electronic artist Ben Frost, and mainstays of the band's 21st century incarnation, Kristof Hahn and Christopher Pravdica. Where its predecessor, 2019's "Leaving Meaning." was hypnotic and trancelike in its structures, this newest runs the gamut for somber acoustic songwriting, driving Velvet Underground-like rock jams, walls of massed tonal and choral sections, and the trademark driving power of Swans unparalleled sonic ascendency. If you were in attendance at last week's live show at The Crocodile, you know what I'm talking about here.

What they say: As ever, Swans are full of surprise and enigma. They paint pictures and atmospheres that other bands can only dream of. This far down the line, most bands have a formula. Instead, Swans have a vision, and they still make a music you have to work at and get immersed in. In a culture of instant gratification Swans are still the standout. - Louder Than War