Live Review + Photos: Slowdive at The Bellwether

Slowdive is fresh off of the release of their newest album titled “everything is alive.” Their fifth and latest studio album comes via Dead Oceans who also represent artists such as Japanese Breakfast and Mitski. Slowdive’s North American tour leg will be wrapping up soon before the band heads over to Europe, but first, they’re closing with two sold-out shows in Los Angeles. 

The Bellwether may be a relatively new venue, but that didn’t stop Slowdive’s fans from turning up and showing out. The venue is spacious with plenty of room on the floor, if you want a different view a second-level balcony is also available upstairs. The venue was buzzing with excitement, one can’t help but overhear concert-goers discussing the setlist, their favorite songs and previous live performances. 

The openers of the night were Sun Colony. They’re a Los Angeles-based indie rock band that set the tone for the night. For their last few songs, Sun Colony brought out one of their album collaborators on stage before handing the mic over.

Slowdive had the audience’s attention from the moment they walked out on stage and started playing the first song, titled “shanty.” Slowdive not only has a great sound, but no review of their concert would be complete without mentioning the visual effects that were present throughout the concert. Through the use of strobe lights, stage decorations and special effects Slowdive sets the tone of the show by merging the instrumental and visual to create a powerful and emotive experience for concert attendees. The visuals for songs like “Sugar for the Pill” really help harness the energy of the song, adding to the concert experience. Slowdive also played some of their more popular songs such as: “Alison” and “When the Sun Hits,” as well as the emotional ballad “Dagger.” After each song, Slowdive made sure to share their gratitude with the audience, although there really wasn’t much interaction with the crowd until the final quarter of the set (that didn’t stop fans and other attendees from shouting their praises). 

Slowdive came together in 1989, yet their fanbase is all over the board. Their music is appealing to both younger and older crowds, which is both a testament to the strength of their music and following. As the encore began to wrap up, the night was closed out with the song “40 Days.” All the bobbing heads in the venue would agree, that Slowdive creates the type of music that you can feel in your bones and in the pounding of your chest. This new era highlights the ways in which the band has evolved over the years, as well as their ability to look toward the future through their implementation of more electronic and psychedelic components.  

Setlist

1. shanty
2. Star Roving
3. Catch the Breeze
4. Sleep (Eternal cover)
5. Souvlaki Space Station
6. Crazy for You
7. kisses
8. Sugar for the Pill
9. Avalyn
10. Alison
11. When the Sun Hits
12. Golden Hair (Syd Barrett cover)

Encore

1. prayer remembered
2. Dagger
3. the slab
4. 40 Days

All photos by Colin King