"Real Love", released in 1986, is the third studio album by the experimental rock band Swans. Swans is an influential act hailing from New York, most notable for their unique fusion of post-punk, noise rock, and industrial styles. The band was founded by Michael Gira in 1982 and was known for pushing the boundaries of sonic expression.
"Real Love" follows the band's iconic harsh noise-infused style, further developing the sound established with the previous albums "Filth" and "Cop." Unlike the previous two albums, "Real Love" incorporates more complex and melodic elements, a direction the band continued to embark on in their later releases.
The album consists of five tracks, each displaying slow, grinding, and visceral use of industrial sounds, creating a tense and brooding atmosphere. Some of the key tracks include "Half Life," "Real Love," and "Freak."
"Real Love" was generally well-received by critics who appreciate experimental and avant-garde music, praising its bold artistic creativity and ability to evoke immense emotional responses from listeners.
On another note, the album cover features a painting by album producer and band leader, Michael Gira. The artwork, much like the music, tends to evoke a peculiar mixture of feelings, often described as a blend of despair, ecstasy, and human suffering. The physical release of the album includes an inset with lyrics and illustrations that further intensify the experience of the album.
Overall, "Real Love" serves as a significant milestone in Swans' discography, marking the band's evolution from their roots in brutal, confrontational noise to a more refined and diverse sonic palette. It continues to be respected and cherished by the fans of experimental and alternative music genres.
