Xiu Xiu in the best sounding venue in Berlin, mmm, yes please.
Jamie Stewart is the main man so I’ve pictured him all alone here because who knows who he’ll have on stage with him, Xiu Xiu being subject to constant line-up changes since it’s formation in 2002 and not in a bad way. Recently it’s membership includes Angela Seo and Ches Smith so we’ll have at least a three-piece assault on our hands.
It’s difficult to brace the output of Stewart given as he is to releasing totally different sounding records every time. Recent effort Dear God, I hate myself is no exception composed as it was using Nintendo DS. Sheesh, video programmes to make music, well it’s experimental I suppose and you can never accuse Xiu Xiu of being boring or scared of trying something new. They’ve been lumped into every category from art-pop to avant-garde (are those the same?) while also working with Devendra Banhart, Deerhoof and Paper Chase. Pick a sound and he’s tried it, probably.
Zola Jesus stuck in the middle tonight could very well be the highlight of the evening. Spacey/ghostly keyboard soundscapes and meaty beats in the background allow this beautiful voice to flourish at once calling to mind Siouxsie Sioux without the Banshees behind her. Unfortunately the lame label of goth-pop has been cast upon Nika Roza Danilova from Los Angeles but then again it is goth-pop and that ain’t no bad thing. Plus, her recent record cover is delicious, her covered in liquid chocolate. Yum.
The evenings proceedings are kicked off by Former Ghosts, Zola Jesus other band which also includes Mr.Stewart and one Jasmine Kittles of Tearist who had to cancel a show here earlier this year unfortunately.
So, let’s face it, it’s going to be a last man standing kind of night with plenty of dancing hopefully.
