Xiu Xiu

Xiu Xiu/The Luminaire/26.02.10

Although The Luminaire is probably too small to meet the demands for tonight’s show, which sold out months in advance, its aesthetics reflect the ethos of both the band and tonight’s promoter, Upset The Rhythm, they’re both here for your entertainment but they take what they do very seriously. This is epitomized in the sign saying ‘Please be quiet. If you talk during the bands we will tell you to shut up.’ Anyone who thinks this is a little harsh should probably not bother with Xiu Xiu. Both on record and on stage this band are an intense experience where every tiny sound that makes up their songs is worthy of your attention. A perfect example of this tonight is during one song when the backing beat is so loud that not only can you feel it in your chest but it delicately shakes the various symbols stood around Jamie Stewart and Angela Seo which, deliberate or not, just sounds incredible.

While up to now I might be making this pair sound too serious for their own good and its worth noting that this wondrously avant guard project does have its ‘hits’ and several of the songs tonight do get some dancing out of the crowd and even though the debut of the title track from their new album Dear God, I Hate Myself it sounded like it had the potential to be once it becomes better known.

Xiu Xiu have the respect of peers and critics alike and while they can sell out a room this size while barely lifting a finger they will never be one of those bands that really ‘breaks through’ and its probably them who least of all want that. The venues will get slightly bigger but it will always be an enlightened minority who find it fascinating to watch this seemingly shy and unassuming pair smash their fist into keyboards while palying music through a DS.

You can and should buy their new record Dear God, I Hate Myself now. Also, here is their website which is kept up to date with their various musings. Below is a song that will be up for a week for your sampling pleasure.

Xiu Xiu-Boy Soprano

Also, to the girl behind me who had clearly taken about twenty seven pills and smelt worse than my housemate who doesn’t wash it was nice that you insisted on apologising to me every single time you barged into me but if it is absolutely necessary to be that fucked could you just go to Fabric or some other soulless pit next time?