Xiu Xiu's Jamie Stewart has carved out an impressive niche. Courtesy of a deep catalogue of uncompromising releases, Stewart has solidfied his reputation as a creator of music that is as harsh and jarring as it is full of melody and wonder. It still seems a bit of a stretch to call Xiu Xiu's music "catchy", but it is alluring. The man is no simple sonic terrorist--for all his delight in making one uncomfortable, once he has your attention, it's his intensely revealing delivery that ultimately makes his albums rewarding. Whether you find it creepy or compelling, Women As Lovers is always honest.