Xiu Xiu is something like a late night on a dirty street, where the heavy traffic causes the air to vibrate and in the distance street musicians play very bizarre and enticing music. This being their eighth release since their start in 2002, Xiu Xiu has definitely hit their stride. This San Jose bred band delivers catchy beats, while remaining raw and undisciplined at their core. The instrumentals are not full in sound and their vocals are distinct. This is okay, because Xiu Xiu seems to want to be this way, coming across as less than perfect. I have a great appreciation for what this band has accomplished with their album. With each of the songs they have put together there is an increase of emotion and a sensation of new discovery. You can not listen to one song and think that you have heard everything this band has to offer. For example their song "F.T.W". Is catchy, upbeat (in most parts), strange, yet sweet, while “Black Keyboard” is more traditional in an instrumental sense, mellow, and somber. One of the larger perks of “Women As Lovers” is Xiu Xiu's rendition of “Under Pressure”. The way that “Under Pressure” is played on this album is phenomenal. It is very much the same as the original, but it has this undomesticated feeling that the original does not have. Technically the song is almost played note for note, but Xiu Xiu adds little changes here and there, which actually help complete the original song. Listen for the sassy saxophone. Overall Women As Lovers was a good album. There were songs that really hit home, and then there were those few songs that came across as a little more than depressing. If you skip those few I believe you will really enjoy Xiu Xiu's eighth release “Women As Lovers.”
