“Angel Guts: Red Classroom” is the ninth studio album by Xiu Xiu, it’s scheduled for release on February 4, 2014, only two month away from the Nina Simone tribute album and entitled simply “Nina”. I still try to figure out if I like or I don’t like the music of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart. There is a strong, charming, 70’s and 80’s rooted David Bowie flavor which is awesome. On the other hand, sometimes the sonic trips are going over the edge of bizarre and I’m not sure I’m always capable to follow them anywhere unconditionally. But at least I’m honest to admit it. Then again, I hate the snobs who pretend they understand everything and praise anything which it’s “out of the box”, just because it’s… odd. I’m a weirdo, but I have the decency to admit my limitations! 😆
So, Xiu Xiu it’s a music of moods. If you play it in the right circumstances, have the proper state of mind, the appropriate mood, you’re on the same trip, you will enjoy it. But if you’re on a different track, their twisted off adventures might feel like torture. This time we were on the same frequency. I like that fever burned, warm and wicked analog sound. The instruments used to record the album were limited to analog drum machines, analog synthesizers, and a drum set. The result it’s pretty dark and dense. Turn off the light, turn up the volume!
The story behind the album it’s based on the 1979 Japanese erotic film with the same title directed by Chūsei Sone, but was also influenced by the new experiences of Stewart as the result of his move from North Carolina to a crime-ridden area of Los Angeles. As Stewart pointed out, the themes of the album include “racialized sex, double suicides, double penetration, criminality, and fear of physical harm”. Regarding the music, Stewart said that “it will be a mean, tight hearted, blackness of Einstürzende Neubauten vs Suicide vs Nico.”
So, this is not an easy album to listen throughout, the obsessive-convulsive build-ups and dark, sometimes quite violent explosions are not really conformist consumer friendly, but once you’re sucked in, it’s hard to get out. It’s not a joyride, but it’s scary and exciting. Sex and violence. Might be a cliche, but still seems to be the most powerful driven force. Both in real life and in imaginary.
Tracklist:
01 – Angel Guts
02 – Archie’s Fades
03 – Stupid in the Dark
04 – Lawrence Liquors
05 – Black Dick
06 – New Life Immigration
07 – EL Naco
08 – Adult Friends
09 – The Silver Platter
10 – Bitter Melon
11 – A Knife in the Sun
12 – Cinthya’s Unisex
13 – Botanica de Los Angeles
14 – Red Classroom
Buy it or steal it!!
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