Slowdive Transcends Time @ The Fox Theater
pomona, california - april 26th, 2024
In the annals of music history, few genres have experienced such polarizing reception and subsequent resurgence as shoegaze. Despite facing significant criticism in the 90s for its perceived detachment and sonic indulgence, the genre has undergone a remarkable renaissance in recent years, drawing newfound appreciation from a diverse array of listeners, particularly among Gen Z audiences.
At the forefront of this revival stands Slowdive, a British band whose ethereal soundscapes and dreamy melodies epitomize the essence of shoegaze. Despite initial challenges during their early career, Slowdive's music has found a new lease on life in the digital age, with platforms like TikTok propelling their iconic tracks, such as “When The Sun Hits,” to viral fame. This unexpected resurgence has sparked a rejuvenation of interest in the band, reaffirming their status as legends of the genre and introducing their transcendent sound to a new generation of listeners.
Against this backdrop of renewed enthusiasm and cultural relevance, Slowdive took to the stage at The Fox Theater in Pomona on April 26th to deliver a performance that would solidify their place amongst the best. Led by the enchanting Rachel Goswell on vocals, guitar, keyboards, and tambourine, Slowdive delivered a mesmerizing performance alongside Nick Chaplin on bass, Neil Halstead on shared vocals and guitar, Christian Savill on guitar, and Simon Scott on drums
Photo by Ingrid Pop
As anticipation built in the air, the room buzzed with energy before Slowdive took the stage. With a low electronic pulse and reverberating bass guitar, the band's entrance ignited the crowd, bringing the energy to a high for the rest of the night.
Although the majority of their hits are from throughout their 90s career, Slowdive played plenty of tracks from their 2023 album, everything is alive including their opening track, “shanty.” The lyrics, “I choose you when the night rolls in,” enveloped the venue alongside earth-shaking bass and soaring guitar melodies.
“Star Roving,” a standout from their self-titled comeback album, showcased Slowdive's ability to fill the entire room with their lush soundscapes. The live rendition, amplified to larger-than-life proportions, demonstrated the band's mastery of creating immersive sonic experiences.
Throughout the performance, Slowdive opted for minimal dialogue between tracks, allowing their music to speak volumes. However, brief expressions of gratitude to the crowd added a personal touch. Light effects played a significant role in enhancing the sensory experience, with strobe lights punctuating epic moments like drum solos, further amplifying the intensity of the performance.
“Catch The Breeze” served as another highlight of the evening, offering a scaled-up rendition of the studio version while retaining the heartfelt essence of the original. Emotional lyrics like “And I want the world to cry/And I want the sun to shine” underscored Slowdive's ability to evoke raw emotion through their music.
“Souvlaki Space Station,” a crowd favorite, elicited piercing screams from the audience as Halstead's fingers danced across the guitar strings, conjuring the iconic opening riff. One of Slowdive's most popular songs, its live rendition remained faithful to the flawless recorded version, amplified to perfection. Lesser known tracks on the setlist, such as “chained to a cloud” and “kisses,” had the crowd swaying along, enamored by Goswell’s heavenly vocals and the mesmerizing experimental keyboard riffs.
The phrase “cult classic” doesn't begin to describe the impact of “Alison.” As Slowdive delved into this timeless anthem, the audience of all-ages was transported back to the 90s, feeling the weight of the song's ethereal sound and poignant lyrics. Goswell's delivery of lines like “Your cigarette still burns/Your messed up world still thrills me” captured the essence of a bygone era while still devastatingly resonating.
“When The Sun Hits,” once again propelled to fame by TikTok, elicited thunderous applause from the otherwise respectfully quiet crowd. Hundreds of voices came together to sing the viral chorus, “It matters where you are.” As the transcendent guitar riff filled the air, it felt as though the audience had been transported to another dimension, united by the song's hypnotic power.
After a stunning performance of “40 Days,” Slowdive teased an exit only to return moments later for an encore featuring two of their most beloved tracks. “Sugar for the Pill” exuded a nostalgic aura, transporting listeners back to the heyday of shoegaze with its infectious chorus and dreamy atmosphere.
Closing out the show with an almost ten-minute rendition of their haunting cover of Syd Barrett's “Golden Hair,” Slowdive left quite the impression on the audience. Their shoegaze interpretation of the classic was nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving listeners spellbound until the very last note faded.
As the lights dimmed and the applause subsided, one thing became abundantly clear: Slowdive's extensive United States tour is not only reigniting interest in the band but also reaffirming their status as pioneers of the shoegaze genre. In a world filled with fleeting trends, their music remains a timeless testament to sonic exploration and emotional resonance.