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White Light from the Mouth of Infinity
White Light from the Mouth of Infinity
Studio album by Swans
Released	1991
Recorded	September 1990 – February 1991
Studio	B. Monster Studios, New York City, United States
Genre	Post-punk; goth rock; psychedelic rock;
Length	69:19
Label	Young God
Producer	Michael Gira
Swans chronology

White Light from the Mouth of Infinity is the seventh album by the American band Swans.^[4]^[5] It was released in 1991, through the record label Young God. The band supported the album with a North American tour.^[6]

In 2015, it was remastered and made available digitally and in a 3CD (and 3LP) set along with Love of Life and an album of bonus tracks.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	^[7]
Los Angeles Times	^[8]
Mojo	^[9]
Pitchfork	7.9/10^[2]
Spin Alternative Record Guide	5/10^[10]

The Los Angeles Times wrote that Michael Gira's "search for heaven and hell—in both mind and body—continues on its fascinating, sometimes harrowing way."^[8]

AllMusic described the album as "stunning" and a "clear starting point for the second half of Swans' unique career."^[7]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Michael Gira

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Better Than You"	5:51
2.	"Power and Sacrifice"	5:37
3.	"You Know Nothing"	5:46
4.	"Song for Dead Time"	5:24
5.	"Will We Survive"	6:51
6.	"Love Will Save You"	6:06
7.	"Failure"	6:20
8.	"Song for the Sun"	5:03
9.	"Miracle of Love"	6:43
10.	"When She Breathes"	5:03
11.	"Why Are We Alive?"	5:29
12.	"The Most Unfortunate Lie"	5:02
Total length:		69:19

2015 Remaster version
No.	Title	Length
1.	"Better Than You"	5:51
2.	"Power and Sacrifice"	5:36
3.	"You Know Nothing"	5:46
4.	"Song for Dead Time" (alternate version)	4:58
5.	"Will We Survive" (edited version)	5:59
6.	"Love Will Save You"	6:06
7.	"Failure"	6:20
8.	"Song for the Sun"	5:03
9.	"Miracle of Love"	6:43
10.	"Blind" (bonus track on reissue)	4:31
11.	"When She Breathes" (alternate version)	4:31
12.	"Why Are We Alive?" (extended version)	6:00
13.	"The Most Unfortunate Lie"	5:02
Total length:		72:26

Personnel

Michael Gira – vocals, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards, effects, samples, production
Jarboe – vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, choral and orchestral arrangements
Christoph Hahn – acoustic and electric guitar
Clinton Steele – acoustic and electric guitar
Norman Westberg – electric guitar on "Better than You"
Jenny Wade – bass guitar
Anton Fier – drums, drum programming
Nicky Skopelitis – acoustic and electric guitar, baglama, bazouki, banjo
Vincent Signorelli – percussion
Hahn Rowe – violin
Steve Burgh – mandolin, 12-string guitar
J. G. Thirlwell – engineering, re-mix assistance, programming and co-production on "Power and Sacrifice"
Bryce Goggin – engineering
Steve McAllister – engineering, programming (additional)
Deryk Thomas – front cover illustration
John Sarfell – inner sleeve foldout painting
Patricia Mooney – sleeve layout
Brian Martin – re-mixing
Alex Armitage – re-mix assistance

Charts

Chart (2016)	Peak position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)^[11]	195

References

^ Terich, Jeff; Bossenger, A.T. (November 13, 2014). "10 Essential American post-punk albums". Treble. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Sherburne, Philip (December 2, 2015). "Swans: White Light from the Mouth of Infinity / Love of Life". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
^ Lariviere, Aaron (November 9, 2012). "Swans Albums From Worst To Best - White Light from the Mouth of Infinity". Stereogum. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
^ "Swans". Trouser Press. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
^ Unsworth, Cathi (April 27, 1991). "White Light from the Mouth of Infinity by Swans". Melody Maker. 68 (17): 36.
^ Buttars, Lori (April 24, 1992). "Swans dive into town". The Salt Lake Tribune. p. D6.
^ ^a ^b Raggett, Ned. "White Light from the Mouth of Infinity - Swans | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 20, 2013.
^ ^a ^b Hochman, Steve (January 5, 1992). "In Brief". Calendar. Los Angeles Times. p. 57.
^ Perry, Andrew (February 2016). "Swans: White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity/ Love of Life". Mojo. No. 267. p. 104.
^ Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. 1995. pp. 390, 391.
^ "Ultratop.be – Swans – White Light from the Mouth of Infinity" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved January 23, 2016.