Within a year of the release of Slowdive’s latest album, Everything is Alive, the band embarked on a new U.S. tour this fall; on November 17th, they performed at D.C.’s The Anthem.
Rising in popularity in the 1990s with their 1993 album Souvlaki, Slowdive cultivated their classic atmospheric shoegaze sound. In 1995, Slowdive went on hiatus after releasing Pygmalion, marking the end of their initial run. They reunited in 2014 for a few live performances and eventually released their self-titled album, Slowdive, in 2017. The album was hailed as a triumphant comeback, staying true to their nostalgic shoegaze roots while introducing a modern touch. Their latest album, Everything is Alive (2023), continues this evolution, blending their signature atmospheric sound with a refreshed and hopeful perspective.
They performed tracks from their recent albums, like “Kisses” and “Sugar for the Pill,” along with classics from their Soulvaki album, most memorably “Alison” and “Dagger.” The concert included mesmerizing visuals – a dreamlike screen and a magnificent light show.
Their reverb-heavy soundscapes filled every inch of the Anthem, and it felt like the crowd was there to listen to Rachel Goswell’s haunting yet ethereal voice. For the first few songs, I squeezed my way to the front, standing in between the hundreds of fans (one filming the band with a Nintendo DS, which felt like my cue to get away from the masses). I enjoyed the concert much more when I sat in the closed-off lounge, where I could take in a panoramic view of the mesmerizing light show. To me, their music is about immersing yourself in the experience – letting the sound and visuals wash over me, creating an introspective moment. Their music, especially played live, invites a sensory experience rather than traditional concert excitement. A highlight from the concert was when they performed “Alison” from their album Souvlaki—one of my all-time favorite songs. I was captivated by the music, and Goswell’s haunting vocals were particularly mesmerizing, adding a layer of intensity to the song’s already evocative mood. It’s easy to see why this track is a fan favorite, and seeing it performed live left me wishing the moment could last forever.
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