amazing <3
by jordyn on 5/22/24Civic Theatre - New Orleansi loved this show!! they gave us a fantastic performance and did well in engaging in the audience. i would 1000% love to see them again sometime. best band ever
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The National
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Franklin Music Hall
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Stage AE
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KEMBA Live!
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Royal Oak Music Theatre
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SLOWDIVE IN CONCERT:
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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.
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BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
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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.
i loved this show!! they gave us a fantastic performance and did well in engaging in the audience. i would 1000% love to see them again sometime. best band ever
Slowdive performed at Avondale Brewery outdoors. The weather was great for the event. Drab Majesty opened for Slowdive and they were a pleasant surprise, as I was not too familiar with the band. They did not disappoint. It was terrific to have Slowdive in Birmingham. It's not often a big name shoegaze band like this is in Birmingham—thank you to Avondale Brewery for inking the deal. The show was excellent and it was great to see Birmingham turn out and support the show. I hope they will return to Birmingham. The music was good & the beer was cold!
Slowdive w/Drab Majesty was a great show. I would go see either band again. Avondale Brewery is a nice, low key venue and I look forward to going back again.
First let me say that I am grateful to Avondale Brewing Company for providing a venue for big name bands to play in Birmingham. However some bands, including the last two shows I saw there, need an indoor venue. I call these bands 'headphone bands.' Whether it's shoegaze-y Slowdive or Gary Numan's warbling introspection, they just don't sound right when overpumped through outdoor speakers. Drab Majesty was ill served by playing in more or less broad daylight. The soundman was pushing the bass to the level of constant distortion. While I enjoy their music immensely, they demonstrated a near total lack of charisma. Maybe that's their thing. If so, they need to do it inside on a darkened stage. Slowdive had a better sound mix. And they did a great job of performing a setlist that included a decent sampling of their male and female vocalists. The sound was cleaned up so you could truly hear the wispy vocals even at range.
I had the opportunity to cross two bands off my "must-see"list: Slowdive and Drab Majesty. I've been eager to catch Slowdive live for ages, even willing to travel to do so. So, when I discovered they were performing in my hometown, I was thrilled. The added bonus of Drab Majesty as the opening act made it a show I couldn't miss. Attending my first show at the Civic Theater, I was impressed by the venue. The concert kicked off promptly at 8 pm with Drab Majesty taking the stage first. Their performance was phenomenal, delivering most of the songs I hoped to hear live. Slowdive followed suit with equally mesmerizing hazy guitar soundscapes. They sounded flat out amazing. Post-show, I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting a member of Slowdive and chatting with Drab Majesty, who were incredibly gracious. I even snagged a signed copy of my favorite Drab Majesty album, "The Demonstration."THANK YOU DRAB MAJESTY!! It was truly an unforgettable experience, with both bands showcasing their talent and professionalism at its peak.
Drab Majesty was amazing as well, but holy frijoli, slowdive delivers the goods, just a tightly controlled slow-motion tsunami of reverb and feedback and angelic voices. Took me back to that moment when I was 15, and my friend and I opened the cellophane wrapping of "Just For a Day"and having our young minds blown. The live version is just as moving.
Great show. Awesome venue!!! Very good views from all spots, easy access to parking. Great acoustics.
Slowdive is better live than the original recoordings
Slowdive honestly blew me away. Something I immediately noticed, that none of their records have truly captured, was the fat loud bottom end. The rhythm section is tight. All around more bombastic than I was expecting. That flufffy cloud of sweet vocal harmonies just hovered in the air slightly left of stage while the twin guitar texture/pedal attack built some majestic phrasing. A live band to be reckoned with!!
slowdive has flipped demographics....I saw the band on both may 7 2024 and may 7 1992 and a very young crowd was at this show in 2024 ....the music is blend of all 5 major albums but as new ones are released the vintage songs are left to encore golden hair and catch the breeze and 5 from souvlaki and one from Pygmalion but the new songs are certainly deserving ....oh and the guy who has to proclaim his love for Rachel can still pierce the crowd from 30 rows back (restraining order?)...looking forward to what demographic will be there in 32 years on may 7