Swancore is a loosely defined sub-genre of progressive post-hardcore music. It describes a specific sound and style within the broader post-hardcore scene, heavily influenced by a key figure and his associated record label.
Defining Swancore
The term "Swancore" primarily refers to two main categories of bands:
- Bands signed under Will Swan's record label: This includes artists officially signed to Blue Swan Records, the independent label founded by Will Swan, who is widely known as the guitarist for the prominent band Dance Gavin Dance.
- Bands sharing a similar influence: Beyond the label's roster, Swancore also encompasses other bands that exhibit a comparable musical style, aesthetic, and overall influence to those championed by Will Swan and his label. These groups often feature the intricate guitar work, dynamic shifts, and complex song structures characteristic of progressive post-hardcore.
This classification highlights music that pushes the boundaries of post-hardcore with technical proficiency and a distinctive artistic vision, often reflecting the innovative approach seen in Dance Gavin Dance's music.
