Xiu Xiu is not your average post punk/experimental band. They belong to the wider post punk scene but they actually create a music genre of their own. The band started in 2002 from San Jose in California and Angela Seo has joined Jamie Stewart in 2009.
Last year Xiu Xiu played at Koko as the support band for Swans during ‘Mouth to Mouth’ mini festival which was curated by Michael Gira. During this live performance Jamie Stewart offered a rather acoustic set and the setlist included revisions of older country/gospel songs. This year, having already released two aesthetically opposite albums, the electrifying ‘Angel Guts: Red Classroom‘ and the more melodical/acoustic/country ‘Unclouded Sky‘, they are visiting London for two shows at Birthdays in Stoke Newington. On the 21st James Blackshaw will be the support band while on the 22nd Blood Music will be on stage before Xiu Xiu.
If you think that the band’s last two albums replicate the dark theatrical, amelodical and jazz atmosphere of ‘Nina’ then I can assure you that this is not the case. Judging by the electrifying atmosphere, the dynamic beats and the domination of samples and synth sounds in ‘Angel Guts: Red Classroom‘, it is expected that these concerts will be the complete opposite of the one in Koko a year ago. Even if part of the setlist is dedicated to the slower in terms of rhythms, ‘Unclouded Sky‘, Jamie Stewart has a unique performing style of varied dynamics which can cover a wide range of music styles and can create very interesting soundscapes. This year’s releases make reference not only to the new wave scene but also to noise aesthetics as well as to country songs of the 1960s so one thing is sure, that all of us should be there to enjoy the live performances!Tickets can be purchased from here: http://xiuxiu.org/tour/
Blaue Rosen 