Xiu Xiu-The Air Force

 

Xiu Xiu have always done things in their own mysterious, dark and industrialized way.

Nothing much has changed with their new album The Air Force, however, the songs seem a little more accessible than past efforts.

Ambient noise is still a strong asset for the group from San Jose, California, which features main player Jamie Stewart along with his cousin Caralee McElroy.

The band has been pretty heavy handed in their subject matter over the years, with Stewart writing about topics like self-loathing and sexual abuse.

In fact, Chris Burdon once described it best-

"Whereas some bands have the problems of losing their fan base due to things such as the band 'selling out' or the fans themselves just growing up, Xiu Xiu has the problem of losing fans to suicide."

That may or may not be an overstatement, but for the better adjusted folks, if you want to be challenged musically, you might want to check Xiu Xiu (pronounced shoe-shoe) out.

Look for a massive tour, as well as a collaborative EP with Grouper in November, and a Xiu Xiu remix album. Also a possible project with Deerhoof's John Dieterich.

Xiu Xiu-Save Me, Save Me mp3

Xiu Xiu-Hello From Eau Claire mp3 both from The Air Force