Xiu Xiu

Further refining and expanding their unique amalgamation of musical influences, Xiu Xiu have raised the bar for themselves again. Women As Lovers may be their most accessible album to date, or at least the most pop-driven since Fabulous Muscles. Their extreme experimental urges are well tempered by markedly more mature songwriting this time out, tastefully seasoned by releasing more than an album a year since ’02. Jamie Stewart’s sometimes tuneless emotive yelp has never been more in control, but will still be a deal breaker for some listeners. An odd cover of "Under Pressure” highlights Stewart’s vocal limitations, but manages to work anyway with the help of a smattering of free-jazz sax and Swans’ Michael Gira. Lyrically, most of the songs aren’t as crassly dark as the majority of Stewart’s output but are no less deeply personal in exploring his connection to the women. The most confidently composed album of their career, Women is another successful blossoming from Xiu Xiu’s fertile garden of creativity.