27

M O N D A Y

From the early ’80s, the name Swans has been synonymous with aggressively powerful music. Predating Nine Inch Nails as purveyors of the darkly visceral, Swans confront us with brutal silences and violent cacophonies of epic proportions. Their latest and final album, Soundtracks for the Blind, is a soundscape of burning intensity, filled with the sonic seduction of hypnotic tape loops, found narratives, and expansive textures. The pathos of Michael Gira’s art, a bleakly awe-inspiring hopelessness, is not to be missed. And as this is the final tour, it’s the last chance you’ll ever get. With Low at 7:30 p.m. at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. $15. (202) 393-0930. (Amy Domingues)