Xiu Xiu – ‘Grey Death’

Experimental pop band Xiu Xiu have had a prolific output and career, spanning seven years, eight albums and pile of EP’s and singles. A staple part of the West Coast alternative, psy-experimental, art rock band neck of the woods they have collaborated with the Likes of Devendra Banhart and will be coming to the UK later in the month, see dates below.

The band is the brainchild of Jamie Stewart, who has been its only constant member since its inception. His current bandmates are Angela Seo and percussionionist Ches Smith. The line up has varied over the years and has had a total of ten souls involved since it’s inception.

Xiu Xiu have an album coming out in a few weeks on Kill Rock Stars.  Dear God, I Hate Myself was mixed by Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier and produced by Thee Fallings Brose (Greg, Jamie Stewart, and Ches Smith), kindly they have given us the track ‘Grey Death‘ to pass on. (Right click ‘Save As’ to download).

Taking full adantage of sociak media Xiu Xiu asked Deerhoof to perform Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures with them. Just a short time before this, Deerhoof received a MySpace comment containing a Joy Division video and the words “COVER THIS”; and then a Facebook message asking when there would be a full-on collaboration between Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu.   Add to this the sheer coincidence that Ian Curtis committed suicide on May 18, Greg Saunier’s birthday.

What with this, the photo and the album title I can see how you might take a slight aversion. Don’t it’s almost the opposite of a morbid connotation, completely the other end of the stick, well maybe some of the lyrics. The music is uplifiting, alt sunshine folk at times contrasted with elements from Goth and pop that are expertly performed. Abstract at times and filled with a broad range of instruments, used to great variation and expression they are definitely on an auteur ilk. Do catch them if you can.

Feb 20 – Dublin, IE – Whelans

Feb 21 – Glasgow, UK – NiceNSleazy

Feb 22 – Edinburgh, UK – Electric Circus

Feb 23 – Manchester, UK – Islington Mill

Feb 24 – Sheffield, UK – The Harley

Feb 25 – Cardiff, UK – Cardiff Arts Institute

Feb 26 – London, UK – The Luminaire

Feb 27 – Brighton, UK – Freebutt

Feb 28 – Coventry, UK – Taylor John’s House

1. 

   Adella Lorelli says:

   February 28, 2010 at 4:55 pm

   Thanks for sharing I liked it
   see you soon on your blog again : )