XIU XIU
Eraserhead Xiu Xiu (Polyvinyl)
Perhaps best known for their Twin Peaks-inspired album, Jamie Stewart’s longrunning group Xiu Xiu have always done things their own way. Many artists owe much to filmmaker David Lynch, and Xiu Xiu have always been open about their adoration – with this album, a quasi-soundtrack to Lynch’s cult movie Eraserhead, the most potent proof yet.
Expect intoxicating reverb, John Cage-like audio object tours of wood and metal and squelching, snorting effects in Eraserhead Xiu Xiu’s most vexing, abhorrent moments. Those who thrill over ASMR will find much in this: moments of terror and bliss mingle together, demonstrating the necessity of a good pair of listening headphones, and wacky sound effects and pop culture references also ruminate in the brew (the most potent lines remain “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” and “OK, Paul!!”).
At just under 50 minutes, the album’s by no means a slog – some moments of odd, acoustic torture, piercing echoes and jamming outbursts might have had me wriggling, but ultimately it adds up to a fun listen. The final track, In Heaven, is the most visible Lynch memorial: Stewart’s vocals are whispery, perhaps even tear-filled. Glory be, on this heightened honouring to one of the great artists of recent years.
words JAMES ELLIS
