Strange Prison

Astral Swans' 'Strange Prison' is a spellbinding portal into the psyche of acclaimed Calgary songwriter Matthew Swann. His 2015 debut album, 'All My Favorite Singers Are Willie Nelson', was described by NOISEY as "a stark, beautiful project; one that embraces darkness rather than shying away from it." Astral Swans' sophomore album continues this philosophical searching with both morbid humour and compassionate character studies, focusing on the nuances of human existence. Scored with strings, shimmering keys and theremin, and featuring guests such as drummer Dan Gaucher (Destroyer, Sandro Perri), Dillon Whitfield (Reuben and the Dark), Rena Kozak (Child Actress), and electronic artist Tigerwing, each song stands alone as a musical world within universal themes of darkness and light. Co-produced with Scott Munro (Preoccupations), Dan Mangan, and Paul Chirka (recording engineer for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra), the result is Swann's most sonically exploratory and emotionally resonant release to date. Thanks to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for their generous funding. Thanks to Dawn at Saved by Radio, Yuya at Moorworks Records, Stefan at Tiny Room Records, and Dan at Madic Records. Ⓒ 2018 - Matthew Swann