SLOWDIVE
Releasing their first album in 22 years this year, Slowdive were quick to prove themselves still relevant and still doing it better despite the long hiatus. It is strange to see them after seeing so many other acts that came after them (most of them at Fuji Rock). Their sound is familiar and comforting because it never really went away but instead was adopted and adapted into other names.
There is however a simplicity to Slowdive that others don’t possess. Those dreamy, multi-layered guitars seem cleaner and crisper on opener “Slomo” and “Avalyn” pulsed and soared through the totally packed Red Marquee. New track “No Longer Making Time” followed a more traditional structure than some of Slowdive’s later work, the joint vocals of Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell joining over the swell of guitars to bring an update to their sound. “Sugar For The Pill” again builds on this and reminds of the Cocteau Twins ethereal nature around the same time.
It was a simultaneous step back in time, and an update. The audience embraced every track, and for a Japanese audience – known to well for its loyalty – it must have been the best mix of nostalgia and excitement to hear something so classic being updated so well.
