Codeine’s 1994 “The White Birch” is a churning, slow, and sparse sophomore effort. Despite how sparse it is, it's still quite emotional. To me this album is quite similar to another slowcore classic with “Spiderland” by Slint. This album is my new winter album as it's as sparse and cold as the season of winter. The way this album builds and builds is so very special, with its dense basslines and spaced out drumming it makes you really appreciate the atmosphere ... read more

I've always really enjoyed Sigur Rós's brand of Post-Rock, beautiful instrumental pallet, and stunning vocals from Jónsi. This album is another heaping of this material, with great results here.

Vaka starts off the album and is quite a beautiful piano lead track with immaculate production. It's slow and takes its time. Jónsi's crooning vocals at the end of the song are crushing even though you can't understand a single thing he's saying. This track is 9.8/10.

Fyrsta ... read more

The writing, ambition, and immaculate production make this album an absolute treat to listen to.
Score: 100/100
Fave Tracks: Everything
Worst Tracks: N/A

Hearing damage

One of the most pained records I have ever heard. The sadness and depression of this album is palpable, I have no other ways of describing this album in full. As this album is worth dissecting on your own times. This thing is so incredible and monolithic.

music

Some of the most out of left field musical ideas and sounds that I've ever heard. Every track on here besides Candi is great. Sadly because of that track I won't give this a 10, but still a fantastic and really stupidly fun album.

Underrated tbh

Wow. This shit hits, hard.

Though it's my least favorite of the Swans's trilogy of incredible albums in the 2010's this album is still incredible. While there are four songs on it that aren't as good as the other cuts, the other eight songs on it absolutely make up for those not so great cuts. The mind numbing/mind blowing 32 minute title track is an example of an amazing cut off the album. Each one of those eight other cuts feel like a mini movie, especially tracks like Avatar and Apostate. This album continues to blow ... read more

Simply a Journey though the most incredible Music I have ever heard. Though long, it's extremely rewarding with roaring sonics and some of the best buildups you will ever hear. This album keeps you on your toes, even if you have heard it several times. Every time I listen I cannot stop listening, as it sucks me into it's environment like nothing else can. It's a 10/10 album and will continue to be a personal favorite of mine for a long time to come.

Legitimately one of the most heart wrenching albums I have ever listened to, the instrumentals are skeletal and bare which makes this all the more powerful. I have cried to this album which says a lot. Listen to this, like ASAP this album is a gorgeous piece of art that all people need to listen to.