Hmm, Zwan is pretty much an exorcise in self indulgence. I heard a couple of bootlegs of the west coast shows and it was good, the playing was good and it really sounded like Billy was glad to be performing again. It was a segue, though. I don't really see this as being the next thing that he really commits to. This is the equivalent of the off season for Billy, a time to keep fit so that when, in his mind, it is game time again, he won't feel quite as rusty. Plus playing live with a new band and fucking with peoples expectations must be a hell of a lot of fun.

- Neal
 

i have only heard 2 songs from the glass house performance, "el sol" & "never give up", and it sounds like billy is ready to bring rock back to the fans that have been missing it .

the sound is a raw, stripped down sound, similar to older b-sides that never made pumpkins albums but you always wished they had. .

i am very much looking forward to hearing more and am very anxious to hear when this music will be available.

- projectFM@msn.com

I saw Zwan at The Glass House in Pomona, CA.  

The music is layered and sweet as if Built to Spill or the Velvet Undergroud took hold of "Thru the Eyes of Ruby" and "Whired" to shake Friday's nights set out of our bald headed wonder.  Billy was calm and sincerely enjoyed the club atmosphere's warm response.  Axe man Matt Sweeney is patient, indie as fuck (straight outta NYC underground) and looks like he woke up in a dumpster; large contrast to Billy who in tuxedo slacks and a white buttondown shirt looked like the kid who showed up late to his piano recital. And the piano - a few ballads - staying true to this new direction, it sounded nothing like adore.  These songs are liek catching up with an old friend - to dig in for a minute - the opener was a heartfelt epic called Yesterday prompting the thought that this intor, the first time Billy hit the stage we heard the bookend to "Today".

no clue who this skullfisher character was.  My girlfriend works at the salon where Jimmy and some pumpkins friends (new order, roadies, guitar techs, ministry--they all pal around LA) gets his haircut (Rudy's Barbershop in Hollywood) and he said they were changing the bass player each night.  we'll see.  (note on Rudy's: Billy and Co. stay at The Standard Hotel on Sunset Blvd. whenever they are in LA - they have a small Rudys shop there--I've got the place crawlin' with spies :)  )     
There were two vintage razorblade Pumpkin-esqe solos (head down, shoulders hunched heel stompin Billy)  but still, nothing bite.  I think for the first time Billy is stepping out from behind the sonic fuzzy crunch of the Pumpkins era, proving he can write clean, beautifully structured songs.  and sing.  my god, not one note came out of his nose--there were deep breaths and projection - no snarling.   

i'd love to write more about each song / edit this shit but i'm at work so i gots to go....

- Howie Goldklang
www.slamdance.com
'by filmmakers, for filmmakers'