Photos + Article by Anthony Bauer
Back in 2023, Slowdive released the phenomenal everything is alive (via Dead Oceans) and have been out on the road touring ever since. It was one of 2023’s best albums that has still be on constant repeat for me so I was beyond excited to finally see this tour. Unfortunately for me I was out of town every other time the band played the tristate area so there was no way I was missing their debut at Capitol Theatre on Friday, January 8th (along with openers, Quannic).
The last time we saw the band was back at Webster Hall in 2023 shortly after their latest album was released and before that was at the now defunct House of Vans so we were excited to catch them again. What also made this show so special was it was also the last night of this US run and you could tell we were in for something special. The crowd ranged in all ages of the younger generation (who may have just discovered the band) to the older generations (who fell in love with the band in the 90’s) which was amazing and everyone was equally excited to see the band, myself included.
The set opened with everything is alive standout opening track “shanty” which should just be the standard opening song for any set because it is the perfect blend of everything Slowdive represents. The song sounded even better live with more punch to it and had a slightly extended outro jam which was amazing to see and hear. My favorite thing was as soon as “shanty” concluded, the band directly proceeded to rip into the fierce “star roving” from 2017’s self titled slowdive which sounded absolutely blistering. I’ve seen a lot of shows at the Capitol but this one was by far one of the loudest (and clearest) I’ve ever heard so.. kudos to their sound team for the band and venue.
Other standouts from the set included the classic “souvlaki space station” that seemed to absolutely envelope you in a wall of sound that at times felt like the roof was going to explode off into the stratosphere. Right after they jumped into my favorite track from everything is alive, “chained to a cloud” and fan-favorite “kisses.” Then it was into a back-to-back run of my favorite tracks from their self-titled album , 2017’s “sugar for the pill” and “slomo.” Towards the end of the regular also saw the always amazing “when the sun hits” which is entirely its own beast live. They truly have mastered translating their songs into a live setting and I really hope they do not go on another 20 year hiatus any time soon.
One other thing about Slowdive is they like to play with projections but they somehow have nailed how to handle projections in the best way possible. The projections are used strategically and with such elegance that just helps overlay the band without totally obstructing them. There may only be five of them in the band but with the show not being overly dark, you still get to clearly see each member tinker away throughout the show switching it up from song to song which I certainly appreciate. Pair the stunning visuals with crystal clear sound and this show was a feast for the eyes and ears.
There are not many bands who go on hiatus for 20 or so years, come back and drop two of their best albums/collective work without missing a beat and I will always appreciate all the work the bands do behind the scenes to get back out on the road and play shows. The band themselves understand this as towards the end of their set they took time out of their show to thank everyone invlolved behind the scenes from the sound, lighting, merch, management and more. Bands don’t always do this but I particularly love it when they do because putting on a show is a lot of work with a lot of people involved. I will forever be grateful and thankful for bands that tour and play live shows.
To think Slowdive were gone for 20+ years, came back, released one of their best albums to only follow it up with another absolute banger is beyond amazing and we should all be grateful to be existing at the same time they are releasing music. Every album is perfect in its own way and hearing these songs live is somewhat of an experience you have to see and hear for yourself. While the current US run may be over, the band will be touring in Europe and will be back in the states later this year for a few festival dates (see all tour dates here). If they are coming close to you.. run, don’t walk to see them as you will not be disappointed.
Find a full gallery from opener Quannic as well as a full gallery + setlist from Slowdive below.
Quannic:
Slowdive:
Slowdive setlist:
1. shanty
2. star roving
3. catch the breeze
4. no longer making time
5. crazy for love
6. souvlaki space station
7. chained to a cloud
8. kisses
9. sugar for the pill
10. slomo
11. alison
12. when the sun hits
13. machine gun
Encore:
14. blue skied
15. 40 days
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