"Swans" is a self-titled debut EP by the American experimental rock band, Swans. The EP was first released in 1982 through Labor Records. The band, established in 1982, is known for their unique musical style that incorporated elements from various genres, including post-punk, noise rock, and industrial music. This debut EP, set the stage for their encompassing and harsh musical style. The five short pieces are relatively conventional songs compared to the band's later work ranging anywhere from rock to gothic.
The band members, at the time of this EP's release, included Michael Gira (vocals, bass), Norman Westberg (guitar), Roli Mosimann (drums), and Harry Crosby (bass). The album was produced by Michael Gira and Thurston Moore. The cover art, which depicts a man's head emerging from a murky background, was done by Gira himself.
Though not as recognised as some of their later works, Swans' debut EP is a quintessential piece of their discography, offering early insight into the abrasive, boundary-pushing style that would come to define their sound.
