XIU XIU
Ignore Grief (Polyvinyl)
Over 20 years into their career Xiu Xiu continue to push the boundaries of uncomfortable, challenging music with their 13th album Ignore Grief. Billed as a record of two halves – one based on real stories, one fictional. One half featuring vocals by longtime member Angela Seo and one with vocals by bandleader Jamie Stewart.
It’s certainly not for everyone, and it’s far less accessible than much of their previous work – focusing more on loosely structured soundscapes of industrial noise, often sounding closer to something like Puce Mary than the experimental rock of previous albums.
Although the vocals can sometimes be frustratingly low in the mix, and it doesn’t quite reach the disturbing heights of previous records such as Girl With Basket Of Fruit, it’s still a worthwhile listen especially if you’ve enjoyed some of their more challenging releases. If you’re only a casual fan, perhaps knock a star off my rating; otherwise, another worthy addition to the Xiu Xiu catalogue.
words MATT LEE
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