The White Swan

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Country:	London, Ontario. Canada
Status:	Active
Years Active:	2016-?
Genre:	Sludge/Doom
Current Label:	War Crime Recordings

In December 2019, the trio – comprising Mercedes Lander (drums, vocals, keyboards, guitar), Kira Longeuay (bass) and Shane Jeffers (guitars) – recorded three songs (and a cover) of what can only be described as love songs. Lander has penned lyrics that chronicle the joy, desire, longing, and eventual feeling of completeness that comes with a romantic relationship. From the night drives through the snow in the early days, right through to the handcrafted guitar built as a wedding gift from her now husband, the intricacies of true love permeate every moment of Nocturnal Transmissions.

Reprising a long time creative relationship with producer, Siegfried Meier, Lander felt both at home and re-energised by the familiarity and collaborative nature of their work. Recording took just two days, retaining many of the hallmarks of The White Swan’s earlier output, but adding a slightly polished sheen to proceedings. With vocal layering and touches of psychedelic synths adding textural elements to the songs, the end result is an enveloping experience of fuzzed out guitars and molasses-like melody.

Describing Nocturnal Transmissions as a “turning point” for the band, the album art by collage artist Caitlyn Grabenstein reflects the feeling of standing on the precipice, staring into the unknown. Acknowledging that there will always be a constant sound to The White Swan, Lander states that their main intention is to “grow and grow”. With an ever-developing sound and a solid combination of creative musicians in their ranks, Nocturnal Transmissions is the latest in what’s sure to be an ever expanding back catalogue of triumphs.