Live Review: Xiu Xiu - Green Store Door, Brighton 08/06/2023
American experimental trio Xiu Xiu deliver an experience to remember as their 2023 UK tour comes to an end in Brighton.
After a terrific year for the Californian group which included the release of their 31st album (you read that right!) “Ignore Grief”, Xiu Xiu put on an exultant, vivid performance in front of a full house at Green Door Store.
Consisting of Jamie Stewart on vocals, guitar and synth, Angela Seo on most synthesizer duties and some vocals, and the esteemed percussionist David Kendrick on drums, the trio also shared a role playing the various cymbals spread across the stage.
The trio kicked it off with a few songs from their newest album, including “Pahrump” and “Maybae Baeby”, before playing the fan favourite “Bottle of Rum” to a great response from the Brighton crowd.
Ranging from lush, lulling harmonies to erratic, restless dark grooves, Xiu Xiu has become notorious for their distinct, cinematic sound ever since their formation in 2002. So much so that at several quieter instances some members of the crowd were heard shushing those who dared to speak during the set.
Emotions heightened as Stewart led the vocals for the band’s cover of Angelo Badalamenti’s “Falling” (from Twin Peaks), a longer version of the original song with the addition of the energetic, unhinged energy coming from the incredible drum fills from Kendrick, the powerful guitar strumming of Stewart on guitar and the dexterous abilities of Seo playing two parts at once on their Korg synthesizers.
Another highlight was the cover of New Order’s “Ceremony”, a great performance which put on display the group’s heavy influences coming from that era of British music, affirmed by their rendition of “Ian Curtis Wishlist” shortly afterwards. Their live version of “Rumpus Room”, coming from one of their most critically acclaimed albums “OH NO”, threw the crowd into a frenzy with an unexpectedly groovy and witty version of the recorded single.
Leaving the stage to a deafening applause ringing through the infamous Brighton venue after playing “Girl With Basket of Fruit” from the 2019 release of the same name, many were seen stood in place as if knowing the show is not over just yet.
Stewart came back onto the stage, shortly followed by his two musical companions, all welcomed to an even greater applause than before. As they started to play “I Luv the Valley OH!”, one of their most popular earlier efforts, it was clear to see that most who were lucky enough to still be there witnessed a show they will not forget for a very long time.
Now heading to central Asia on their last week of their tour, Xiu Xiu offer an experience you cannot afford to miss, with a tremendously vibrant and rip-roaring display of the most forward-thinking music of today.
Words by Jay Cohen
