Search - Xiu Xiu :: A Promise

Deception

alexander laurence | Los Angeles, CA | 04/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not sure if Xiu Xiu is a band or a solo act. I say that because it seems like Jamie Stewart is the only person who plays and sings on every song. Xiu Xiu is from the Bay Area. They are a very unique act. The vocals remind me of Scott Walker backed by a more experimental noise. The songs go from very quiet to very noisy. The best song "Sad Pony Guerilla Girl" is a good example of what is going to follow: low voices with acoustic guitars, with a lot of racket in the background. The lyrics go: "I like my neighborhood/I like my gun/drive in my little car/I am your girl and I will protect you." They are surreal stories that supply no answers. The middle of the album dabbles in more experimental noise and film soundtracks. Like the band Plaid, Xiu Xiu is heavy into bell sounds. The album peaks emotionally with the song "20,000 Deaths For Eidelyn Gonzales..." Then the album gets darker, with some Joy Divison like moments. "Blacks" is a homicidal story. The final song is even called "Ian Curtis Wish List." On a previous album they cover a Joy Division song. On this one they do "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman. Not sure if this is supposed to be sincere or ironic. Xiu Xiu have made an impressive statement nonetheless, and it is much like reading a suicide note, years after the fact."

Creepy, emotional, definately not for everyone.

02/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Right from the first sight of cover of this album you pretty much know that it's going to be confrontational. And, it is. You're either going to love this album or hate it. This is an album of extremes. The music itself doesn't seem to be based in normal pop song structure at all. Using found objects for percussion and electronic instruments for the broad noise making, it appears to be a collection of extremes (loud/quiet, melodic/free-form, sing/scream). But, underneath it all are often soft, beautiful guitars. The electronics are used in the most opposite way from tradition. No cheesy loops or beats, no passing off sounds in place of real instruments.Next, Jamie Stewart lets out lyrics that are nothing but raw. He either hits the mark dead on (Apistat Commander) or produces eye-rolling groans (Walnut House). Regardless, the album is so naked and open about its emotion you are either swept in or completely put off. Where the music doesn't grab you, the voice and lyrics will.It's hard to even compare anything to Xiu Xiu. You can't; I've yet to hear anything close and that's a good thing. This is a very polarizing album. Even the cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is uncommon. Instead of a slightly uptempo folk song, it becomes a slow, heart-wrenching near dirge. I think it's one of the best albums I purchased in years. Uncompromising, unique, and raw."

It IS very different....

alexander laurence | 01/01/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"this is very unique, good or bad, bordering on almost "performance artist" territory... VERY way over the top. sometimes seemingly over the top just to be over the top. often intentionally embarrassing or painfully pathetic, self-indulgent... you don't know whether to laugh, cry, or ignore this... it is hard to ignore thou. the second song is a standout. if you easily bored by what is called "rock" on the radio, you may want to give this a try.and the album cover... most unique album cover of the year 2003! utterly bizarre... and it is hard to grab the attention of the jaded indie crowd anymore, this did."