Xiu Xiu - "Fabulous Muscles"

Providing how difficult it is to find a truly original group nowadays, Xiu Xiu can really be considered as such. Their songs blend contradictory elements –abrasive sounds and hypnotic melodies, emotion that exposes its vulnerability whilst at the same time scandalising with its desperation, beauty and ugliness- that can both disorientate to the point of disgust or prove irresistibly seductive. “Fabulous Muscles” was Xiu Xiu’s third album, licensed for Acuarela in several countries. It is also by then the most electronic and pop album of their discography.  The track that titles the album stages the intensity of lead singer’s voice and is still today one of the most touching pieces in the group’s entire discography. The catching (so to say) “I Luv the Valley” is supported by guitar chords that go straight to the heart, just like Sebadoh’s “Soul and Fire”, or the best songs of Talk Talk, or Lou Reed´s “Berlin” and Berlin’s Bowie, or like a non-sinister Swans.