Introducing Slowdive’s 2024 concert setlist into my Spotify library earlier this week prompted me to contemplate the two distinct groups of concertgoers: those who thrive on the element of surprise, unaware of which beloved track the band will perform next, and those (like me) who meticulously dissect and analyze the setlist in advance, building a mental roadmap for the live experience. Slowdive, an English band formed in 1989, lived at the forefront of the shoegaze movement. The 15-track setlist of their 2024 tour traverses multiple decades, weaving together a tapestry of shoegaze sounds and contemporary beats. At the band’s second show of their US tour in Pomona, the Fox Theater filled with both types of concertgoers who are transported to a place where the past and present intertwine seamlessly.
While the lights dimmed and whispers were hushed by echoing music, two figures in black suits, blonde wigs, and sunglasses took the stage. The evening’s openers were none other than Andrew Clinco (Deb Demure) and Alex Nicolaou (Mona D) from the band Drab Majesty. The band kicked off with “Dot in the Sky,” a synth-driven track blending ‘80s-inspired melodies with modern beats. The crowd, dominated by the older generation, cultivated an atmosphere where concert etiquette prevailed, allowing the music to command attention, with hardly any phones in sight. The music’s impact was enhanced by shadowy visuals casting silhouettes on Drab Majesty, drawing the audience deeper into their songs.
As Drab Majesty concluded their set, the stage transformation for Slowdive’s upcoming performance commenced. The crew positioned the massive guitar pedals on stage which serve as crucial components in crafting the intricate textures of Slowdive’s beloved shoegaze sound (soft vocals with heavily distorted guitars).
Wave-like visuals complemented Slowdive’s performance of “shanty,” the opening track of both their set and newest album, everything is alive. Each verse concluded with a line that encapsulated the moment: “when the night rolled in.” “shanty,” among other songs from the album, retain Slowdive’s iconic sound of their older albums while incorporating modern electronic beats.
“Catch the Breeze” marked a pivotal moment in the set, with its hypnotizing visuals transitioning from black and white into vibrant colors. Amidst the kaleidoscope, eyes turned to Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead as they began the song with the haunting lyrics:
“Feels like all the days are gone / Just catch the breeze, you know you’ve had your fun.”
“Catch the Breeze”
“Catch the Breeze” brings to mind Slowdive’s role within the ebb and flow of shoegaze’s evolution. Slowdive pioneered this genre of music; today, the band continues to thrive maintaining their authentic sound. Evident in the audience that filled the venue, the band’s impact spans decades: longtime fans mingled with a new generation of listeners, illustrating the timeless allure of Slowdive’s music.
Goswell, with her black and white split-dye hair, harmoniously blended with the goth audience. She brought out her guitar (that is perfectly coordinated with both her hair and outfit) to perform “Souvlaki Space Station.”
The moment the iconic riff from “When the Sun Hits” echoed across the audience, a sea of phones emerged for the first time that night, ready to capture the next four minutes and forty-four seconds. Behind the band, the screen blazed fiery projections, while the instruments and vocals resonated even crisper than the studio recording.
Slowdive briefly exited the stage before an encore featuring two songs: their own “Sugar the Pill” and a cover of Syd Barrett’s “Golden Hair,” a nod to the band’s psychedelic influences. With each whispered lyric, Slowdive left the audience spellbound until the final note faded into the night.
