Strange Prison
Strange Prison is an album by Astral Swans, released in May 2018,[1][2] described by Exclaim Magazine as "Swann's most sonically exploratory and emotionally resonant release to date,"[3] and by BeatRoute Magazine as "brimming with life, full of texture and character while maintaining a laid-back, atmospheric quality".[4]
Strange Prison | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | 2018 | |||
Genre | Indie rock | |||
Label | Saved by Vinyl (in North America), Tiny Room Records (in Europe), Moorworks Records (in Japan) | |||
Producer | Scott Munro (Preoccupations), Paul Chirka, and Matthew Swann, except tracks 2 and 10, produced by Dan Mangan | |||
Astral Swans chronology | ||||
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Track listing
- "Blow Away"
- "Controls"
- "What Are You Gonna Do with Yourself"
- "Prison Builder"
- "General Rule"
- "The Kids Came By and Burned Down the Scene"
- "Strange Prison"
- "Free Yourself from All Harm"
- "I Belong"
- "Excess"
- "Sew Their Mouths"
- "I Wanna See Something Burn"
- "End Song"
Personnel
All vocals and instrumentation by Matthew Swann, except:
- Dillon Whitfield (Jane Vain and the Dark Matter) – backing vocals (tracks 1, 2); drums (track 6); bass, guitar (track 10)
- Paul Chirka – organ (tracks 1, 7, 9, 11); backing vocals (track 1); strings (track 7)
- Chris Vail – guitar (tracks 1, 11)
- Rena Kozak – vocals (tracks 3, 12)
- Sarah Groot – vocals, keys (tracks 2, 10)
- Joe Ramirez – drums (tracks 3, 7, 8, 9, 11)
- Scott Munro (Preoccupations) – keys (tracks 3, 5, 8, 12); guitar (track 4)
- Dan Gaucher (Fond of Tigers / The October Trio) – drums (tracks 2, 10)
- Dan Mangan – backing vocals, piano, bass synth (track 2)
- Sarah Tigerwing – vocals (track 5)
- Distance Bullock – drums (tracks 3, 9, 11)
- Christina Milinusic – theremin (track 6)
All songs written by Matthew Swann.
Produced by Scott Munro (Preoccupations), Paul Chirka, and Astral Swans (except tracks 2 and 10 produced by Dan Mangan).
All songs mixed by Paul Chirka at The Department of Creativity and Mischief, except for tracks 2 and 10 mixed by Dan Mangan at National Park Studios.
Mastered by Harris Newman.
Artwork and design by Gabriel Alan Collins.
References
- Melody Lau (10 May 2018). "First Play: Astral Swans, Strange Prison - CBC Music". CBC Music.
- Eric Volmers (12 May 2018). "Inside Out: Calgary's Astral Swans expands on intimate sound with sophomore release". Calgary Herald.
- Calum Slingerland (17 May 2018). "Astral Swans Returns with 'Strange Prison'". Exclaim!.
- Gareth Jones (11 May 2018). "Astral Swans: Dark complexities, beauty in sight". BeatRoute Magazine.