- Bristol's Giant Swan built their reputation as a live act. They're not the first to approach techno from a hardcore punk sensibility, but their energy on stage is pushing them into a league of their own. Capturing their sound's intensity on a record isn't without its challenges, but their new EP for Batu's Timedance certainly isn't a compromise. Celebrate The Last 30 Years Of Human Ego offers a titillating snapshot of a duo destined for bigger things.
Imagine Container and Alan Vega attempting a peak-time techno record, and you're halfway to grasping the Giant Swan sound. But unlike much live-oriented, punky dance music, both sides are polished and clean in spite—or perhaps because—of their fuck-you attitude. The dubbed vocals and laser-sharp comb filtering on "IFTLOYL" gives a post-punk edge to a pumping tribal techno groove. For all its menace and sharp angles, the track has funk. "Celebrate The Last 30 Years Of Human Ego" is spikier and more disjointed. It would be hinting at electro if it weren't laced with barking vocal cut-ups and a sly sense of humour. Then there's the laughably large bass detonations in the back end, which sound like thunder routed through a $5 guitar pedal.
TracklistA Celebrate The Last 30 Years Of Human Ego
B IFTLOYL