American experimental rock outfit Xiu Xiu hit up Stockport for the first time ever. In support of their critically acclaimed new release 13” Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto with Bison Horn Grips, the band have been on an extensive world tour bringing their wild live experience all across the country.

A SONIC PIVOT

I was personally blown away by their latest full release which was a sonic pivot focussing deeply on grooves and production in a way not seen before by the group. The album was received extremely positively by fans and critics alike, with a large majority labelling the record as their most accessible and catchy to date. The record’s vibrant and striking production made me anticipate the idea of catching the songs in a live setting.

Xiu Xiu are no strangers to playing in unique venues with tonight’s gig being no different. The band are playing at St Mary’s in the Marketplace, a parish church in the town of Stockport. Upon entering, the venue is immediately striking with its grand interior and immersive lighting that surrounds the room.

DRUM WIFE

Opening for tonight is Drum Wife, an experimental two piece from Leeds. The band walk on stage to applause from the crowd which they let themselves take in before crouching to the ground in position for their set. Being a few rows from the front, I am unable to see the equipment laid out in front of the band however, suddenly the sound of industrial, metallic clanging starts to infest the room.

The groups set consists of immersive, glitchy noise loops and sounds that work together and move in ways that are completely unpredictable. Amongst the bleeps and bloops are member Hilary Knott’s captivating vocals that are drenched in effects the fit with the soundscapes being played. Her vocals range between what sounds to be spoken word phrases to renditions of rock classics with her ending the set with the chorus of I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing by Aerosmith. The 30-minute set is a great way to start the night, Drum Wife truly puts on a show unlike anything I have seen before.

XIU XIU

Following Drum Wife, it’s now time for the main event. Comprised of front man Jamie Stewart, multi-instrumentalist Angela Seo and drummer David Kendrick, Xiu Xiu grace the stage to riotous applause which echoes around the venue. Jamie thanks the crowd for coming down and signals for the band to start the show. The band launch into the set opener The Silver Platter and immediately hit the crowd with an absolute force of sound. Everything each member is doing on stage is filled with precision and purpose, whether its Jamie’s unpredictable vocals or Angela’s vast array of percussion. The opener sets the tone perfectly, it is uncompromising and unbelievably striking.

As the band get into the set, we as an audience are met with song after song that pushes the limits each time of what is able to be performed in a live setting. For only three members, Xiu Xiu is able to provide a sound and performance that is truly massive. It Comes Out as a Joke is an early highlight for me with the band really elevating the track through their live instrumentation as well as providing one of Jamie’s most energetic and animated performances of the night with his movement on stage. Following right after, there are another two other clear highlights with the emotional Suha and the infectious Grey Death.

WIG MASTER

With us reaching the halfway point through the set, the band goes into the fan favourite Wig Master. This song comprises of Angela on lead vocals providing a sick and twisted monologue alongside Jamie’s assortment of challenging horns which work together perfectly to make easily the most frightening moment of the night. The song ends with David and Jamie using gongs to accompany Angela’s screaming crescendo before stopping abruptly. It’s a moment that is incredibly impactful and that I imagine will stick with me for a long time.

As the set continues, we reach the final portion of the night. The band delve into songs from the new album as well as fan favourites. Highlights for me include singles from their latest release Common Loon and Veneficium, both of which erupt in the live show. The powerful instrumentals heard on the album sound even stronger, and being able to see individually each members role on the tracks, is really impressive.

SAD PONY GUERILLA GIRL

The band’s most popular song Sad Pony Guerrilla Girl is played to the biggest reception of the night upon hearing the first few lines of the guitar riff. Xiu Xiu stays faithful to the original’s dark and sombre tone however, reimagine the track’s overall sound to elevate it making the iconic chorus hit even harder than usual. The final song of the night comes in the form of a solo encore performance from Jamie, who performs Fabulous Muscles. It’s a vulnerable and deeply human moment that ends the night masterfully.

I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like Xiu Xiu live before. There were times during the set where I was truly lost in their performance by how special and impactful each song felt. It’s a feeling I have only experienced a few times before at a show and reminds me why live music is so important. So many bands and artists just work their way through their performances, but Xiu Xiu tonight felt alive throughout. If you get the chance, make sure to catch Xiu Xiu at a gig as I promise it will be an experience you will never forget.

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