Oxygen (Swans EP) explained

Oxygen
Type:	EP
Artist:	Swans
Cover:	Swans - Oxygen EP cover.jpg
Recorded:	2013–2014
Label:	Young God/Mute^[1]
Producer:	Michael Gira
Prev Title:	To Be Kind
Prev Year:	2014
Next Title:	The Gate
Next Year:	2015

Oxygen is an EP by American experimental rock band Swans. It was released digitally on November 25, 2014 through frontman Michael Gira's own label, Young God Records.^[2]

Background

The EP features four different versions of the title track "Oxygen", originally from the band's 2014 album, To Be Kind. The versions include an edit by Mute Records founder Daniel Miller, a live version recorded at Primavera Sound festival, an early version recorded at band leader Michael Gira's home studio and an acoustic version recorded at Studio Mute.^{[3] [4]}

Critical reception

PopMatters critic Eric Risch wrote: "Despite none of the four versions here reaching the original's length, the Oxygen EP is not fuel efficient enough for the daily commute and provides more torque than required for a Sunday drive." Risch further added: "Revealing the true horsepower behind "Oxygen", this collection should be handled by a professional driver on a closed course."

Personnel

Credits adapted from Oxygen liner notes^[5]

Swans

• Michael Gira – vocals, guitar, production
• Christoph Hahn – lap steel guitars, electric guitar, vocals
• Thor Harris – drums, percussion, vibes, wind instruments, vocals
• Christopher Pravdica – bass guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
• Phil Puleo – drums, percussion, dulcimer, vocals
• Norman Westberg – guitar, vocals

Additional personnel

• Daniel Miller – editing (track 1)
• Bob Biggs – artwork

External links

• Oxygen EP at Swans' official Bandcamp page
• Oxygen EP on Young God Records' official website

Notes and References

1. Web site: Liturgy opening for Swans, who have a new EP & added dates . . November 25, 2014.
2. Web site: Swans announce new EP, share alternate version of "Oxygen" . . October 10, 2014 . November 25, 2014 . Terry, Josh.
3. Web site: Murray. Robin. Swans Confirm 'Oxygen' EP . . October 20, 2014 . November 25, 2014.
4. Web site: Swans to release Oxygen EP of live, acoustic and demo versions . . October 20, 2014 . November 25, 2014.
5. Oxygen. CD liner notes . Swans . 2014. Young God Records.