Slowdive give fans at the Theatre at Ace a magical night to remember

This past Sunday at the Theatre at Ace, indie veteran shoegazers, Slowdive graced Los Angeles with night two of their blissful two night string of performances. They were absolutely stunning, as beautiful and as majestic as the great theatre that housed their very performance. Not only did they leave the crowd in complete awe with twinkles in their eyes, but they left me completely speechless.

Leading lady, Rachel Goswell sounded just as good as she did back in the early 90s. Nick Chaplin still knows how to rock the show and made sure that everyone got on their feet, however, he told the audience that they can sit if they’d like, but preferred that everyone stood up. Everyone obliged and stood the rest of the show, completely lost in the moment.

Slowdive’s set began with a dreamy rendition of “Deep Blue Day”, a Brian Eno song. The band then transported us into a dream-pop world of delight performing 17 songs including “Rutti” and “40 Days” as part of their encore. Eyes began to glisten with sweet nostalgia when Slowdive performed “Catch the Breeze” off their 1991 debut record, Just for a Day — equally so when ” Souvlaki Space Station” came into play, as well as the handful of songs Slowdive performed from Souvlaki, which was co-produced by Brian Eno in 1992. Heralded as their best album, it was clear that fans felt the most emotion with Souvlaki.

Tyde, apparently great friends with Slowdive, kicked off the evening as the supporting act. Their music reminded me of the psychedelic and carefree 70s. At times I kind of felt like I was at a Dead show. Front-man Darren Rademaker’s voice reminded me of Jerry Garcia, and Chelsea Larkin on the tambourine reminded me of Michelle Williams. In real life, those two characters would be an odd pairing. Not sure how my mind contacted that combo, must of been the chill psych vibes I was feeling from Tyde.

Take a look at the photos below of Slowdivewith Tyde at the Theatre at Ace!

Photography & Words: Wes Marsala

Slowdive at the Theatre at Ace Hotel Set list
1. Deep Blue Day (Brian Eno song)
2. Slowdive
3. Avalyn
4. Catch the Breeze
5. Crazy for You
6. Machine Gun
7. Souvlaki Space Station
8. Blue Skied an’ Clear
9. When the Sun Hits
10. Morningrise
11. She Calls
12. Dagger
13. Alison
15. Golden Hair (Syd Barrett cover)

Encore:
1. Rutti
2. 40 Days

Slowdive