Shoegazing In The 21st Century: Part 1
According to some media sources we experienced bit of a shoegaze revival in the past number of years. But in reality the style of music never really disappeared. Even since the media started to shift it's focus away from the first wave of shoegaze bands in the early 90's there has always been a very healthy and immense underground scene that continued right into the new century. Some of you make look on in frustration at some of the bands tagged 'shoegaze' (or other variations) on last.fm or by the media, but here's a selection of real modern shoegaze bands who are certainly worth your time.
Airiel
Although formed in 1997 it wasn't until 2003 when they released their first record. They released the four-track EPs
Frosted and
Dizzy in 2003 and followed these up with two more four-track EPs
Melted and
Crackled, these EPs being heavily influenced by Slowdive. These four EPs made up a collection named
Winks & Kisses, with each EP's album art part of one bigger picture. In 2008 they released their first and only studio album to date,
The Battle Of Sealand, which adopted a less dreamy and more aggressive sound but still sounds amazing.
Their music is proves that you don't just need a wall of guitar effects, well-written and memorable songs work wonders for a band and writing songs that stick with you will keep you coming back for more. Keep your eyes peeled for a possible album release this year.
The Daysleepers
The Daysleepers and Airiel are two bands that are difficult to separate. But from my perspective The Daysleepers have a slightly more atmospheric sound and draw more influences from The Cure. Like Airiel they also write some very memorable songs which are backed by gorgeous delay and reverb-soaked guitars.
They formed in 2004 and released the EPs
The Soft Attack and
Hide Your Eyes in 2006 before dropping their full-length debut
Drowned In A Sea Of Sound in 2008, also their only studio album to date. Their album built on the lush sounds of their EPs and added a more confident and melodic element to their music. Could possibly release a follow-up album this year, fingers crossed.
LSD And The Search For God
Formed in 2006 these guys and gals have only released one five-track EP to date, and what an EP it is. Their self-titled EP released in 2006 immediately reminds you of a certain My Bloody Valentine. But rather than being a complete rip off of
Loveless this EP sounds like the great, lost EP that MBV never released after
Loveless. This is indeed the most perfect five tracks of sonic nirvana released this side of the turn of the millennium, the layers of effects-laden guitars and submerged vocals will take your head right into the clouds. The band are still touring but there are no signs of a full-length album release at the moment seemingly. We can only hope.