No more results on this page
SLOWDIVE IN CONCERT:
Pioneering British shoegaze band Slowdive made some of the biggest music news of 2014 when they reunited for a tour after nearly 20 years apart, and they continue to send indie rock fans over the moon whenever they perform their lush, atmospheric brand of dream pop in concert. Critics originated the term "shoegaze" in the '90s as a derogatory way to describe bands' lackluster stage presence, but Slowdive discredits the label every time they take the stage, turning out powerful performances that teem with electric energy and stylish showmanship. Dual singers/guitarists Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead trade off vocal duties, wrapping their soaring, reverb-soaked melodies in a gorgeous sonic wall of guitar textures that totally envelopes audiences. Meanwhile the rhythm section sets a relaxed groove with smooth basslines and unadorned drumming that lets the band's guitar-driven atmospherics shine. As they captivate crowds with chimerical favorites like "Shine" and "When the Sun Hits", Slowdive gives the impression that the two decades they spent apart had never passed, treating ticket buyers to a totally immersive concert experience that proves shoegaze remains as vibrant as ever.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Slowdive was formed in Reading, England in 1989 by singers/guitarists Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead, who named the band after a song by British post-punk act Siouxsie and the Banshees. After putting together a demo tape and playing shows, the group signed to Creation Records and released a self-titled EP in 1990. The record garnered rave reviews from NME, and the band followed up in 1991 with two more EPs that further put them on the map thanks to stellar songs like "Catch the Breeze", which topped the UK indie chart. The expectations these early EPs set for their full-length debut proved hard to meet--Slowdive's 1991 debut full-length Just for a Day received mixed reviews, despite landing at No. 3 on the UK indie charts. Their 1993 sophomore effort Souvlaki fared similarly, failing to impress critics even as the band's loyal cult following continued to grow. As shoegaze's popularity was eclipsed by Britpop and American alternative rock in the mid-'90s, Slowdive called it quits following the 1995 release of their third album Pygmalian. Over the next 20 years, critics revisited the band's three albums favorably, and today their early '90s output is considered among the best of the decade. Since reuniting in early 2014 for their first major tour in nearly two decades, Slowdive has floored fans with career-spanning performances while keeping hopes alive for the possibility of a return to the studio.
Encore
Since their new album is so good they are not just a nostalgia act playing from their former glory. Great set list and great stage show. Lots of fog and cool lights are what you want with this awesome music.
I've waited over 20 years to see Slowdive and I was not disappointed! It was one of those shows where you can see everyone making the music, but you still marvel at the sounds produced. If you like the music on the Souvlaki or Slowdive albums, this show is for you!
I saw Slowdive twice this year, so far Sunday was best show ever. A must see live show!
I hadn't seen Slowdive in over 20 years. I think 1994 was the last time. The show was fantastic - the sound, the visuals, the energy, quality of performance, etc. Significantly better than I remember them being back in 1994. Their sound is still unmistakably unique and it maintained the original Shoegaze quality while adding a fresh feel and vibe to it. Fantastic show... highly recommend.
I have dreamed of seeing Slowdive live for two decades. After numerous failed attempts over the past few years, my dream finally came true this past Saturday night. The experience can only be described as life-changing. Slowdive is a masterclass is atmospheric music; Art meets transcendence. I was awestruck the length of the show, which ultimately left me in tears. Thank you, Slowdive.
The show was amazing. The lighting was on point and the balcony seating was a great vantage point. My only complaint was the vocal mix, which a bit too low.
This was seriously the best show I've ever been to. Sound was perfect, performance amazing, you could actually breathe (as opposed to some other venues), really cool venue, they even had good beer. And Slowdive ... I totally lost track of space and time, it was just so good. Tyde were really good too, will definitely see whether I can see them again! It's pretty hard to open for a giant like Slowdive obviously.
Every song they performed was better than any recording they ever made. They are truly the best version of the band they have ever been. The sound balance at the ACE made it so you could hear every nuance of Slowdive's lush and dense sound. I waited 17 years for this show and me met and exceeded every expectation.
The band sounded amazing and every bit as good as I would have imagined twenty years ago. The venue was spectacular and the sound was great, even in the back of the house.
One of the best shows I have ever been to. I never thought I would be able to see this band live. I discovered them just as they broke up. It was worth the wait.
FYF show was awesome, but ACE HOTEL show was even better!!!!
overall sound, mix, volume, musicianship was spot on. for a band with a lot of saturation that's the sign of professionalism and musical maturity! ;)
So glad Slowdive is back and they're better than ever. Venue was top-notch; they even accommodated us when a leak from the ceiling began to disturb my partner and moved us closer to the front. Hoping for a new record so I can see them again.
They still look great after all these years. Neil grew a beard for himself. Rachel was perfect. They sound better than ever, you will not be disappointed.
A dream come true, not just in watching them back on stage but so confident and as amazing as I'd ever imagined. Great synergy between the band, played a mixture of material from across their discography.
I'm not sure what the deal was but every time a noisy part kicked in the strobe lights were like a second too late. Was the lighting guy high? I'll never know.
And I never felt this way before, I swear, yes it's true and I owe it all to you
unforgettable, something I never thought I would have had the opportunity to see.
Who knew there were so many who knew who these guys were, who knew what they were about and were capable to pull it off live. As the lights dim and they took the stage, for a fleeting moment, you think to yourself, 'Self, they won't pull this off.' And then that first lick & chord of Slowdive is played, the entire space is filled with their sound and YES! they pull it off in spades. You'll be kicking yourself for having missed this!
