Low have never been a universally loved band, they never will be and that's OK. The purveyors of slowcore have managed to last several decades with an uncompromising blend of dynamic soundscapes and arrangements that range from the abrasive to the lush. All these things are on show tonight in a melancholic desolate haze that delights those in attendance.
They begin with the opening track from 'Ones and Sixes' (their new LP) - 'Gentle' an unnerving dirge that sees Mimi Parker's vocals drop in and out alongside Alan Sparhawk's at times thundering guitar. 'The Innocents' is another stand out track from the new LP played at the early stages of the set like some crazy desolate pop tune with a catchy chorus underpinned by the general sparse grittiness that Low do so well. The tune and indeed the gig as a whole benefit from some new visuals the band have incorporated especially for tonight's show. New projections and lights from Peter Liversidge provide an almost bleak cinematography landscape to Low's music and the two seemingly go hand in hand seamlessly.
Sparhawk's vocals excel on 'Spanish Translation' and provides another unconventional pop moment. As the second half of the set comes at us we get a closer look at their back catalogue with 'Pissing' from 2005's vastly underrated 'The Great Destroyer' a particular stand out with fuzzy guitars and a song packed with emotional heft.
The ten minute plus 'Landslide' from the latest LP goes on a little too long for a relatively unknown finisher (encore aside.) The encore itself more than makes up with it with 'Sunflower' from 'Things We Lost In The Fire' contains some of Low's darker moments and musically triumphant ones.
"When they found your body/ Giant x's on your eyes/ And with your half of the ransom/ You bought some sweet sunflowers/ And gave in to the night."
The gig culminates with 'When I Go Deaf' with Sparhawk, Parker and co. delivering a meticulously built swamp of noise. I suppose with over two decades of experience it comes easy, but not when its this masterful.
FUTURE GIGS
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