After a cathartic, late-semester mate-date to YoChi on King Street, I made my way into the yellowed lights of the Enmore Theatre. I set myself up for a lonesome, introspective experience, perhaps a second date with myself. As I walked in, slightly late due to my enjoyment of frozen yogurt, the floor section was packed, overflowing into the foyer. Everyone was in awe of the support act, Beach Fossils.
Beach Fossils formed in New York City in 2009, and are known for their atmospheric, almost wistful sound that guarantees a mind-wandering experience with every listen. I stood at the back of the crowd to catch the final few songs of their set. After everyone bopped away to some of their most popular songs, ‘Don’t Fade Away’ and ‘What a Pleasure’, the band waved their goodbyes to the crowd and the waiting music began.
As soon as the lights turned back on, much of the crowd moved swiftly to the bar or the bathroom, whichever they were more inclined. This was my chance to get closer. I made my way to the front of the stage, and whilst I didn’t quite make the barricade, I was in the mood for peace and enjoyment over the pressing of crowds on my back. I made an effort to truly take in my surroundings. People talking, laughing, walking, sitting, chittering, chattering, and ultimately — the great uniter — waiting.
The lights dimmed, and the world renowned alt-rock band made their way onto the stage. Slowdive had an instantly hypnotic energy, drawing everyone’s attention with little effort. Formed in 1989, Slowdive are prominently known for their dreamy pop sound. They started off their set with ‘shanty’ from their 2023 album, ‘everything is alive’. The pulsating, synthetic opening was hypnotic, with the smoke machines and mystical visuals crafting an illusive energy. The paired vocals of lead singer Rachel Goswell and guitarist/vocalist Neil Halstead created the most alluring harmonisation.
Unlike most concerts I’ve attended, most of the crowd did not sing along. In this case, I truly believe it was due to the hardcore appreciation of the unique music they were playing. Going into the performance of ‘Souvlaki Space Station’ and ‘Sugar for the Pill’, it was clear that everyone was experiencing a soul-penetrating, weightless feeling in their gut and chest. While many were simply swaying, there were those who had their eyes closed, allowing the psychedelic notes to send them to an introspective wonderland. I joined them.
Slowdive then awoke everyone from their contemplations to play their most popular song ‘When the Sun Hits’. You may not know of Slowdive, but you will definitely know the wondersome line “it matters where you are”, before a heart sinking drop. After closing their main set, they came back for their encore. Finishing off with ‘Dagger’, ‘Machine Gun’, and ‘40 Days’, the band allowed the crowd to leave on a satisfied note with their most famous songs. Slowdive lived up to their legacy, delivering a melancholy yet dreamy performance, leaving their fans in a state of ethereal thought. I made my way home: a bus, a train, and a light rail. With Slowdive playing in my headphones, I inserted myself in a coming-of-age movie. The city lights were blurry, and so were my thoughts of everything going on in my life. At last, I was at peace.
