Right from the first sight of cover of this album you pretty much know that it's going to be confrontational. And, it is. You're either going to love this album or hate it. This is an album of extremes.

The music itself doesn't seem to be based in normal pop song structure at all. Using found objects for percussion and electronic instruments for the broad noise making, it appears to be a collection of extremes (loud/quiet, melodic/free-form, sing/scream). But, underneath it all are often soft, beautiful guitars. The electronics are used in the most opposite way from tradition. No cheesy loops or beats, no passing off sounds in place of real instruments.

Next, Jamie Stewart lets out lyrics that are nothing but raw. He either hits the mark dead on (Apistat Commander) or produces eye-rolling groans (Walnut House). Regardless, the album is so naked and open about its emotion you are either swept in or completely put off. Where the music doesn't grab you, the voice and lyrics will.

It's hard to even compare anything to Xiu Xiu. You can't; I've yet to hear anything close and that's a good thing. This is a very polarizing album. Even the cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is uncommon. Instead of a slightly uptempo folk song, it becomes a slow, heart-wrenching near dirge. I think it's one of the best albums I purchased in years. Uncompromising, unique, and raw.

this is very unique, good or bad, bordering on almost "performance artist" territory... VERY way over the top. sometimes seemingly over the top just to be over the top. often intentionally embarrassing or painfully pathetic, self-indulgent... you don't know whether to laugh, cry, or ignore this... it is hard to ignore thou. the second song is a standout. if you easily bored by what is called "rock" on the radio, you may want to give this a try.

and the album cover... most unique album cover of the year 2003! utterly bizarre... and it is hard to grab the attention of the jaded indie crowd anymore, this did.

Xiu Xiu are one of the most inventive and imaginative bands out there right now. Their music evokes dark imaginary in my mind when I listen to it. Personally, A Promise is my favorite album by them, but I would recommend any. If you are reading a review for Xiu Xiu then you are on the right track and you should by this album. A side note: I had the pleasure to see Xiu Xiu play last weekend in my town of Missoula, Montana.. Unfortunately, their van was broken into late in the night and their equipment was stolen. They have cancelled their tour. Hopefully, their instruments will surface. By this disc and support real musical genius.

The meandering keyboards and seemingly pointless anarchic percussion and screaming for the first two Xiu-Xiu releases are all but forgotten here. Without losing a bit of the geniunely disturbing angst of the "Knife Play" or "Chapel of Chimes," we're treated to a more orchestral, more organized Xiu-Xiu, and the results are staggering.

Xiu Xiu does not create ordinary music. In my judgement, this is a very good thing. I have never heard anything quite like them; rarely does one across music that is as textured, intricate, and creative as this. Jamie Stewart confronts his audiences with an emotional directness that is almost unprecedented, which can be difficult for some listeners, but which is undeniably powerful. A Promise's greatest strength, however, is its layered instrumentation. Xiu Xiu manages to dress their songs with haunting minimalism when necessary (such as on their cover of Tracy Chapman's fast car), and also with orchestrated mayham. Distorted synthesizer drones tangle with the chimes of asian percussion and acoustic guitars to formulate a sonic backdrop that is utterly unique. This is a riveting listening that makes the very experience of discomfiture a fully-formed aesthetic process.