The horrific events of Sept. 11 not only hang low over the collective psyche of the artistic world, but have had a very tangible effect on artists’ attempts to even practice their art. To give a particularly unfortunate example, the highly anticipated “Russian Percussion” tour featuring DJ Vadim of Britain’s Ninja Tune label has been cancelled. The tour would have stopped at Black Cat last Sunday. However, the world, America and D.C. will quite rightly resume rocking on, and a pair of shows coming to the 9:30 Club early next week will contribute.
Radiohead’s incursions into the electronic avant-garde on their last two albums may have been notable for their commercial success, but many other, smaller bands have been playing with similar sounds to smaller audiences. Of course, this is not to say that their experimentations have been either less successful or artistically meritorious. An outstanding example, Iceland’s Sigur Ros, will stop at the 9:30 this upcoming Tuesday.
Much like the lush electronic sounds found on Kid A and Amnesiac, Sigur Ros’ latest, self-titled release creates dense atmospheres alternately gentle, enigmatic and menacing, as heavily treated guitars and keyboards combine with plaintive lyrics to move the listener with pure sonic melancholy. While Radiohead might be the most obvious comparison, other touchstones might include Tortoise and Godspeed You Black Emperor!, who both share not only the Icelanders’ sound, but also their ambition and flair for the dramatic.
The titles and lyrics (e.g. “Flugufrelsarinn,” “Danarfregnir Og Jardarfarir”) may very well be unintelligible, but who cares what they’re saying?any music fan who can appreciate Sigur Ros’ aural craftsmanship will be in for something special Tuesday night.
Few bands endured more drama this summer than Wilco, who will play the 9:30 the following night. First of all, Wilco was dropped by Reprise Records last month after releasing three records to immense critical acclaim and building a solid following both in America and abroad. The band’s latest album, Summerteeth, was a universally-praised venture into pop experimentation, well away from its signature roots-rock sound.
Reprise apparently decided Wilco’s latest record, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, which reportedly follows further down the trail blazed by Summerteeth, was not listener-friendly enough to justify its continued support. This seems to be encouraging, signaling Wilco’s unwillingness to dilute their music in order to conform to major-label demands. Indeed, founder and vocalist Jeff Tweedy sees the release from the Reprise contract as “liberating,” rather than an event to be mourned.
However the loss of a major-label contract will affect the band’s future, the more important development is the departure of co-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett. While Wilco has always been Jeff Tweedy’s band, it is at the very least hard to say whether the band’s left turn away from alt-country would have been quite so abrupt had Bennett not left. That given, this tour is not only a chance for Wilco to showcase new material to fans, but will also be a chance for Tweedy to allow his ambition and vision to shine without Bennett, who is pursuing what should be an interesting solo career.
In all likelihood, Wilco will soon find a label to release Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. But take my word?don’t wait that long to hear these songs.
Sigur Ros and Wilco are playing the 9:30 Club on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 9:30 is located at 815 V St. NW.
