The Swords Project
Absolutely Kosher Records
One of the nicer stories of '90s underground rock -- so-called post-rock, in particular -- has been its increasing use of non-rock -- often chamber music -- instrumentation. Whether it's the Dirty Three, Godspeed You Black Emperor!, or Rodan, violins, violas, cellos, clarinets, oboes, French horns, and other unexpected instruments have been finding regular homes in indie rock compositions, to startling and often stunning effect. Portland's The Swords Project is another such group, boasting a large, eclectic instrumental lineup which features several guitars, bass, two drum kits, clarinet, violin, electric and acoustic piano, and a splash of electronics. Oh, and a touch of vocals from time to time. Godspeed might be the most obvious reference point, but The Swords Project's sound is less self-consciously experimental, smoother, more focused on using ambient textures to evoke a range or musical moods. The music is stately and sedate, warm and delicate, even when it swells occasionally into brief percussion- and electronics-driven instrumental frenzies.
The Swords Project released its debut, a four-song, 27-minute self-titled EP, on Absolutely Kosher in 2001. It includes "The New Assassin."
Jesse Ashlock
last updated:
08/10/01
Similar Artists:
Godspeed You Black Emperor!, Rodan, Tarentel, Rachel's, Telegraph Melts, Luke Abrahms, Threnody Ensemble
Other Suggestions:
Glenn Branca,
A Silver Mt. Zion,
Sigur Ros,
Mogwai,
Terminal 4,
The Halifax Pier,
Pele,
Ilium,
Sonna,
Beans,
David Shea,
Brian Eno,
Holger Czukay,
Dirty Three,
Shark Quest,
Per Mission,
Scott Tuma,
Physics,
Couch,
Kante,
Lumen,
Mus,
Aix Em Klemm,
Labradford,
Sappington,
Wow and Flutter,
Tribes of Neurot,
Molasses,
1 Mile North,
Keith Fullerton Whitman,
The Spires of Oxford,
The Azusa Plane,
The Album Leaf,
SQ,
Dominions,
David Coulter,
Windsor for the Derby,
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead,
Tristeza,
Elders Of Zion,
Migala,
Radar,
Refree,
SubArachnoid Space,
Universal Life and Accident,
Shipping News,
A-Z Consolidated,
Propeller,
Helms,
Victory At Sea,
June of 44
