Always

Released in 2012, Always represents a pivotal moment in the Xiu Xiu discography, marking a return to a more collaborative band dynamic with the re-entry of Devin Hoff. Produced by Greg Saunier (Deerhoof) and mixed by the legendary John Congleton, the album bridges the gap between the band's experimental noise roots and a more structured, synth-driven art-pop sound. Lyrically, Jamie Stewart moves between deeply personal elegies, such as 'Joey's Song,' and sharp social critiques like 'Factory Girl' and 'I Luv Abortion.' The album is notable for its thematic callbacks to earlier works, providing a sense of narrative continuity within the Xiu Xiu universe. Critics at the time noted that while the album retained the band's signature 'uncomfortable' intimacy, the production was significantly more robust and 'hi-fi' than previous efforts, allowing the melodic hooks to shine through the industrial grit. It stands as one of the most cohesive and impactful entries in their extensive catalog.