Xiu Xiu will release his Angel Guts: Red Classroom LP on February 4th via Polyvinyl/Bella Union, and this weekend we got another preview of things to come with the psychic terror of “Lawrence Liquors“. As emotionally eviscerating as Jamie Stewart‘s music has been up to now, to hear that the new record is the sound of Xiu Xiu’s death is a frightening proposition! And, if “Lawrence Liquors” is any indication, this bold assertion is not hyperbole, as indeed, these might be the sounds of his “descent from grayness into the deepest blackness endurable.” Only about 2 minutes and 40 seconds in length, “Lawrence Liquors” sonic atmosphere is so dense and absorbing that it feels like it must be longer, and the track needs an extended tail of dissipating bass and eventual silence just to clear the bad vibes. Stewart’s use of “only analog synths, drum set, and 1970’s analog drum machines” gives this track a weighty and bellowing low-end, and combined with it’s severely skewed vocals, and some highly detailed noise squelch, makes for a terrifying listen. And yet, like much of Xiu Xiu’s music, “Lawrence Liquors” is steeped in Stewart’s expert understanding of the structures and movements of pop music, and turning them upside down, he uses them as exquisite instruments of terror. Can’t wait to see the video…I think. Check out Xiu Xiu’s upcoming live dates below.
Xiu Xiu North American Tour:
2/19: Santa Barbara, CA @ Soho Restaurant & Music Club
2/20: Fresno, CA @ Fulton 55
2/21: Felton, CA @ Don Quixote’s International Music Hall
2/22: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
2/24: Seattle, WA @ Barboza
2/25: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
2/26: Vancouver, BC @ The Media Club
2/28: Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
3/1: Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
3/2: Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
3/3: St. Louis, MO @ Firebird
3/5: Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
3/6: Madison, WI @ The Frequency
3/7: Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
3/8: Detroit, MI @ Magic Stick Lounge
3/9: Toronto, ON @ The Garrison
3/10: Montreal, QC @ Il Motore
3/11: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
3/13: Brooklyn, NY @ The Knitting Factory
3/14: Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
3/15: Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
3/16: Richmond, VA @ Gallery 5
3/17: Raleigh, NC @ Kings
3/18: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
3/20: Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s
3/21: Austin, TX @ Holy Mountain
3/22: Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
3/24: Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
3/25: San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
3/26: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
