Xiu Xiu

Post-punk, post-noise, post-whatever-band Xiu Xiu (sort of pronounced "shoe shoe") recently released Women as Lovers, their sixth studio album and first on the Kill Rock Stars label. The band has arguably moved past genre labels and more towards recognition of their distinct combination of diverging music styles and penchant for morose, often disturbing, song topics. In its current incarnation, Xiu Xiu performs under the trio of singer-songwriter Jamie Stewart (the only constant and most emotionally disturbed member), his cousin, Caralee McElroy, and percussionist Ches Smith.

Since its inception, the band with the unpronounceable name has blossomed under the leadership of Stewart, undeniably its most influential creative force. Stewart deals with uncomfortable topics such as rape, incest, war and suicide with a revolting frankness, rather than tongue-in-cheek subtlety. This is best displayed by "Guantanamo Canto," an anti-war track that delivers a biting critique of the abuses at the infamous detention center: "My country needs this freedom/To contradict your humanness." Along those lines, "Black Keyboard" is an uncomfortable family confessional and an example of that gut-wrenching intensity that just makes some tracks difficult to listen to.

However bleak the album may be, Xiu Xiu's upbeat musical facade wears their sadness well. On the first track, "I Do What I Want, When I Want," a playful synth-pop groove fuses with an unexpected free jazz horn. "Under Pressure" is commendably executed for a cover (better than "Ceremony" on Fabulous Muscles). Stewart's Bowie impression, Michael Gira's guest vocals and more free jazz make this track the high point of the album.

Xiu Xiu's fan base comes and goes: Stewart's alarmingly high comfort level might hook some fans, but might repel others with the ever-present sense of impending catastrophe or the excess of taboo personal information. On Women as Lovers, Stewart's voice is his most distinct instrument and his quavering vocals and poppy sounds create an interesting atmosphere for an emotionally dark soundtrack. Apocalyptic seems to suit Xiu Xiu the best, and there must be some comfort in sharing that things aren't always all right.