XIU XIU unveil new video to “Hi”, the first single from new album “Always”.

Avant-garde pop provocateurs XIU XIU have just unveiled the video to new single “Hi”…Directed by David Horvitz and Jamie Stewart, the video features footage shot on a crazed road trip through upstate New York and photos taken throughout 2010 – 2011 Xiu Xiu world tours, including sneaking out during the wee hours to burn dolls in church courtyards, throwing copies of Dick Cheney’s
autobiography in a Barnes & Noble garbage, graffiti lyrics next to a gas station sink, and Jamie setting his hand on fire.

Always” is released 27th February on Bella Union records followed by a UK tour in March. Those dates below…
Monday 12 March – BRISTOL – The Fleece
Tuesday 13 March – MANCHESTER – The Ruby Lounge
Wednesday 14 March – GLASGOW – The Captain’s Rest
Thursday 15 March – BRIGHTON – Sticky Mikes Frog Bar
Friday 16 March – LONDON – Rich Mix

The creation of singer/songwriter Jamie Stewart, for the last 10 years Xiu Xiu have hurled a succession of relentlessly uncompromising records to a cult of devotees that values intensely emotional honesty and genuinely challenging
originality above all else. Evolving from obsessions with modern classical percussion and orchestration, experimental electronics, a life long dedication to post-punk and the dance floor, Xiu Xiu’s sound is, to say the very least, utterly distinctive and compelling.

At its core, Always symbolizes the mutual camaraderie with and deep dedication to each person who has internalized Xiu Xiu’s work and throughout the past ten years made the band a part of their lives. The origin of these intense bonds is frontman Jamie Stewart who’s fearless lyrics have given voice to life’s most untouchable and taboo subjects.

Stewart’s willingness to broach any subject finds him confronting both the topical and the intimate in equally meaningful ways: “Factory Girls” chronicles

the sexual objectification and desperate existence of Chinese female, migrant workers, whilst “Joey’s Song” seeks to bring comfort to Stewart’s brother in the aftermath of a family tragedy.

But while such writing is worthy of admiration, Always’ most arresting moments lie in its sonic innovation – transforming avant popelements from an undertone into a bright black focal point while adding new influences such a choral music, kraut rock and field recordings.That such dazzling music can so seamlessly blend with such undeniably dark content is but one of the ways Always
succeeds in accentuating the intent that is central to all Xiu Xiu creates.

Always was produced by Deerhoof’s Greg Saunier and mixed by John Congleton (Antony and the Johnsons, Explosions In The Sky, the Roots).