Xiu Xiu releases haunting version of ‘In Heaven’ for upcoming Eraserhead project
Xiu Xiu has announced the upcoming release of their new album, film, and live performance project, ERASERHEAD XIU XIU, set to drop on July 10 through Polyvinyl. The band, known for their previous work with David Lynch’s music on “Plays the Music of Twin Peaks,” is now diving into the eerie world of Lynch’s film “Eraserhead.” The first glimpse of this project is their rendition of the song “In Heaven,” originally written by Peter Ivers with lyrics by Lynch.
Xiu Xiu’s interpretation of “In Heaven” takes on a haunting and distant quality, with vocals floating amidst layers of organ, static, and fractured electronics. The accompanying video adds to the unease, presenting a collage of fragments rather than a linear narrative. The band’s decision to focus on “Eraserhead” came after Lynch’s passing, leading them to explore the film’s sound design, visual language, and emotional depth.
Using homemade instruments, modular synths, field recordings, flashlights, and musique concrète techniques, Xiu Xiu aims to deconstruct the atmosphere of the original film and reconstruct it into something more abstract and harsh. Tracks like ‘Tetra’ and ‘Sleep Synth’ shift between sparse ambient moments and overwhelming noise, capturing the essence of the film’s unsettling nature. Despite this departure from their usual sound, Xiu Xiu’s approach to “ERASERHEAD XIU XIU” feels like a natural progression in their experimental rock catalog.
The band’s commitment to embracing the discomfort and confusion of “Eraserhead” is evident in their creative process. They are not shying away from the ugliness that made the film so unsettling but rather immersing themselves in it fully. Even the original sound design by Lynch and Alan Splet serves as a framework for Xiu Xiu’s unique interpretation, rather than mere source material.
Xiu Xiu’s upcoming performances for “ERASERHEAD XIU XIU” promise to be immersive experiences that capture the essence of Lynch’s iconic film. Their use of unconventional instruments and sonic exploration reflects their dedication to pushing boundaries in the realm of experimental music. With this project, Xiu Xiu continues to defy expectations and carve out a distinct place for themselves in the world of avant-garde rock.