UK-based shoegaze band slowdive wowed fans of all ages at the Fox Theater in Oakland on Sunday night, May 11th. The band returned to the Bay Area ahead of the May 16th re-release of their first three studio albums: Just For A Day (1991), Souvlaki (1993), and Pygmalion (1995). After disbanding in 1995, just six years after their formation, shoegaze enthusiasts were left devastated. Eventually, the band reunited in 2014 and has since released Slowdive (2017) and Everything Is Alive (2023).
Opening the night was Philly-based grungy rock band CREEPOID. Their sound was dense and sludgy, with a heavy driving energy that set the tone for what was to come. They were the perfect opener for slowdive as they were edgy enough to get the crowd head banging while keeping with the almost dream-like ambiance that is so indicative of shoegaze bands like slowdive.
With a set running at just about 90 minutes, slowdive played selections from all five of their studio albums, from their classic hits like “When the Sun Hits” to newer tracks like “kisses” from their 2023 release. This show was their music the way it was meant to be experienced: loud enough and strong enough to rattle your ribcage. Just a huge wall of sound slamming into every fiber of your being. Songs that are overwhelming and powerful through your earbuds become a whole different beast when played live.
Accompanied by hypnotic projections, strobing lights, and moments when blinding white spotlights obscured the band entirely, the music often felt like it took on a life of its own. One song often bled into the next, creating an unending sonic journey that spanned more than 30 years of life. Much of their music has few lyrics, so much of their 90-minute set was nothing but dreamy instrumentals that built to loud, towering climaxes of sound. After a 15-minute encore, the band finally said goodnight, leaving me to head home with ringing ears and an even deeper appreciation for their music.
Review by Diana Dively
