Xiu Xiu
Always
(Polyvinyl)
Release date: March 6, 2011

Track List:

1. Hi
2. Joey’s Song
3. Beauty Towne
4. Honeysuckle
5. I Luv Abortion
6. The Oldness
7. Chimneys Afire
8. Gul Mudin
9. Born to Suffer
10. Factory Girls
11. Smear the Queen
12. Black Drum Machine

Always.

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.

It's 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 Xiu’s 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 life's most untouchable and taboo subjects, while his distinctively committed but hushed vocals crystallize and medicate their unsettling impact.

Those familiar with the band's 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 2004's Fabulous Muscles) and "Black Drum Machine" (which finishes the narrative of incest and molestation begun on "Black Keyboard" from 2008's Women as Lovers).

Elsewhere, Stewart's 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; "Joey's Song" strives to do the same for Stewart's 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 Stewart's 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 as choral music, kraut rock and animal field recordings.

Produced by Deerhoof's Greg Saunier (who also contributes drums and vocals to the album) and mixed by John Congleton (Antony and the Johnsons, Marilyn 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 song's infectious, dance-worthy beat is only the first of many instances when Stewart’s unflinching lyricism is coupled with pure, singable melodies -- the kind of pairings that bring into stark relief how often life's 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 Seo's 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."

Composed of this essence, the album proves that perhaps the only six letters to carry the same weight as "always" are these: Xiu Xiu.

* * *

Listen to “Hi” the first single from Always.

Hi by Xiu Xiu

Always will be available on digital, CD and vinyl formats.

Always will be released on white 180 gram vinyl and there will be 500 limited edition copies of translucent pink 180 gram vinyl available via Polyvinyl mailorder. A collage poster of Xiu Xiu tattoos and scars accompanies the LPs. Preorders are available now.

A Neo Tropical Companion, a haiku book by Jamie Stewart that's being published by Uitgeverij, will also come out in March. The book is available for purchase through Uitgeverij and Polyvinyl, and Polyvinyl will also be offering a special bundle that includes a copy of A Neo Tropical Companion, and either a CD or translucent pink 180 gram vinyl copy of Always.

Xiu Xiu will tour the world in support of Always starting this spring – dates will be announced soon!

(photo by Jeremy Lange)

Some praise for Dear God, I Hate Myself:

“Every time [Xiu Xiu]'s about to come out with a new album, I think, ‘I must be over this by now.’ I never am.” - Pitchfork

"outrageous brillance" - SPIN, 4 out of 5

"Xiu Xiu main man Jamie Stewart is the world's oddest and best pop star-in-waiting" - NME, February 20, 2010

“No need to hate yourself Jamie, you've just made the decade's first avant-garde/light entertainment crossover record, and perhaps given yourself the recognition you've truly long deserved.” - NME, February 13, 2010

“it’s time Xiu Xiu clambered above cult acclaim” - ROCK SOUND, 9 out of 10

“How much shit do you think we'd get in from the internet if we said Jamie Stewart is this generation's Morrissey?” - VICE

“this goth pop is brilliantly poignant” - LOUD & QUIET

"Jamie Stewart's over-the-top, heart-on-sleeve lyrics seem to trump everything else about his ongoing Xiu Xiu project, but on top of writing some amazing songs, his revolving cast of bandmates are some of the best in indie rock." - XLR8R