Always

Description

Rarely is so much meaning conveyed in the space of six letters. And with regard to Xiu Xiu, its applications are infinite: always relevant, always provocative, always surprising, always evolving, always glittering.

Its fitting, then, that as the band (now comprised of Jamie Stewart, Angela Seo, Bettina Escauriza, Marc Riordan, and returning member Devin Hoff) marks a decade in existence, such a powerful sentiment would serve as the title of its latest album.

At its core, Always symbolizes the mutual camaraderie with and deep dedication to each person who has internalized Xiu Xius work, tattooed its name on their skin or soul, and throughout the past ten years made the band a part of their lives.

The origin of these intense, everlasting bonds is Stewart. His fearless lyrics have given voice to lifes most untouchable and taboo subjects, while his distinctively committed but hushed vocals crystallize and medicate their unsettling impact.

Those familiar with the bands work will take particular note of the times Stewart re-visits profoundly personal accounts from his own life most prominently on Beauty Towne (a not-so-uplifting postscript to the muddle of those depicted in Clowne Towne from 2004s Fabulous Muscles) and Black Drum Machine (which finishes the narrative of incest and molestation begun on Black Keyboard from 2008s Women as Lovers).

Elsewhere, Stewarts willingness to broach any subject finds him confronting both the topical and the intimate in equally meaningful ways: Gul Mudin seeks to bring comfort to an Afghani teenage boy murdered for sport by American soldiers; Joeys Song strives to do the same for Stewarts brother in the aftermath of a family tragedy.

Factory Girls chronicles the sexual objectification and desperate existence of Chinese female, migrant workers. I Luv Abortion, featuring perhaps Stewarts most unhinged vocal ever, careens through the resolute heartache of a friend too young to be pregnant and seeks to personalize this most political issue.

But while such writing is worthy of reverence, Always most arresting moments lie in its sonic innovation transforming avant pop elements from an undertone into a bright black focal point while adding new influences such a choral music, kraut rock and animal field recordings.

Produced by Deerhoofs Greg Saunier (who also contributes drums and vocals to the album) and mixed by John Congleton (Antony and the Johnsons, Marylin Manson, the Roots) the album is positively vibrant.

Opening track and first single, Hi, is an immediate invitation for listeners to make their presence known, as Stewart commands you to voice the title refrain along with him: If you are wasting your life / Say Hi / If you are alone tonight / Say Hi.

The songs infectious, dance-worthy beat is only the first of many instances when Stewarts unflinching lyricism is coupled with pure, singable melodies the kind of pairings that bring into stark relief how often lifes worst moments are shouldered with a skewed, cheery grin.

Nowhere is this contrast more apparent than on the bittersweet duet Honeysuckle, a pleasantly uplifting cadence undercut by feelings of utter despair and hopelessness in Seos lyrics.

That such dazzling music can so seamlessly blend with such undeniably dark content is but one of the ways Always succeeds in accentuating the intent that is central to all Xiu Xiu creates.

During recording, Stewart saw a Bible verse spray painted on the wall of his gym. He interpreted the verse to mean, Horror and beauty are the same; love and hate are the same, the tireless dread of our own lives and of living can be embraced with the same fervency as what we find beautiful.