Covers that are candidly Xiu Xiu, each in their own distinctive ways.

“An experimental rock band” doesn’t quite encapsulate what Xiu Xiu is. They have created their own genre full of unexpected elements that obliterate the boundaries of musical norms. Xiu Xiu, the “experimental rock band” was formed in 2002 by Jamie Stewart. The lineup of the band has gone through changes over the years, with the current band members including Stewart, Angela Seo and David Kendrick. 

On first listen, parts of this album are so unsettling they’re honestly a little tough to listen to, but it is all in good taste. With that being said, a few of the tracks can be a lot to digest – but after the intention behind the album clicks, everything falls into place where the work can be appreciated, not only the execution and talent of the band, but for the insanely and fun concept that it is. A new set of ears to classics and a few more underground pieces alike. 

Opening up with “Psycho Killer” – such a well known song and sampling out the most recognizable parts really sets the tone for the album for looping in familiar elements while bringing audiences fresh perspectives. Moving on from that directly into back-to-back songs, “Warm Leatherette,” “I Put A Spell on You” and “Hamburger Lady,” we hear some of the more unruly tracks on the album. With these unnerving pieces coming one after the other, it builds this sense of discomfort and familiarity, the same way that our dreams – and in this case – maybe our nightmares, blend together things we experience in real life and our subconscious chaos. In their original versions, “I Put a Spell on You” and “Hamburger Lady” are quite opposites of each other. One is smooth and jazzy, while the other is designed to make the listener experience discomfort, but both are given the same amount of reworking. 

The mix of well known titles with some that are less familiar, is an added layer of intereset and authenticity to the project. Putting a lineup of artists Talking Heads, The Runaways, Robyn, Soft Cell, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and GloRilla all together as one, speaks to their ability to interpret any kind of music and make it their own. They’re not just choosing artists that are similar to them – they’re all across the board, which is what makes it into a true tribute to their inspirations in music. 

A notable turning point in the album comes at the shocking slow down for “Dancing on My Own.” Xiu Xiu takes this upbeat pop hit to a grappling emotional place, shaky vocals dragging the music by slowly. While it’s very different from the track as we know it, the intensity of this version adds an element that makes the listener pay attention to the lyrics in a different way. 

The band’s leading man, Stewart, notes in an interview that they, “never approach [the covers] thinking ‘how can we improve these’ but really ‘what can we learn from these,’” (via Stereogum).

Xiu Xiu did not just rework each with the same sort of ‘signature twist’ or make them all sound the same, each has thoughtful intention and a isloated new take. Differing elements are kept and taken away, changed in a different way in each. Honoring inspiration, while considering a sort of ‘if this song was ours, what would it be like?’ these are covers that are candidly Xiu Xiu, each in their own distinctive ways.