5 New Shoegaze Releases

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Ah, shoegaze what more can you ask for? Sometimes it’s bleak, other times funky. Sometimes it’s drowned in fuzz, other times reverb. Whatever the combination there is some intangible quality that makes it just feel right. shoegaze music came about in the late ’80s and really exploded all over everything through the ’90s.

Lately, it has been having a bit of a renaissance with bands like Ride, and Slowdive putting out incredible new releases and going on tour, and heaps of new shoegaze acts popping up all over. Below are 5 New shoegaze Releases from NYC.

Laveda: What Happens After

We kick off this list with a band that is near and dear to this blog. If you have not had a chance already check out the lovely interview and video we did with Laveda. At any rate, I have a lot of warm feelings for this record. The two absolutely nail the ethereal vibe. Not only that but their music always manages to come across as perfectly manicured and effortless at the same time.

The release pushes out into fun and strange new places. It’s a lot of fun for veterans of the genre and also for anyone looking for an introduction to shoegaze tunes.

Peel Dream Magazine: Agitprop Alterna

Another terrific artist that we had a chance to interview not too long ago. Check that out if you have not already had a chance to do so. Peel Dream Magazine is a fuzzy dreamy shoegaze machine.

This EP takes the listener through a real swell journey starting off the EP has the melodic fuzzy oblivion ”New Culture”. From there the release continues to work down in intensity until “ The Furthest Nearby Place” where it lulls them into a hypnotic bliss.

Vanilla Lace: Vanilla Lace

Here is something sparse and spectacular. Gotta love those alterations. Anyway, Vanilla Lace, very different from Vanilla Ice, unleashes relentless waves of fuzzy guitar goodness.

Their self titled release compiles their previous three EPs all flexing a massive but still simple sound. Bordering on Drone, or even Metal this album has a lot in it for anyone looking for a more deconstructed take on the shoegaze genre.

Noveller: Arrow

Speaking of massive presence here is Noveller. Another terrific entry into the shoegaze genre their latest release “Arrow” comes with so many brilliant subtle moments. The album does well to take it’s time with the listener and opens up like some kind of spooky but beautiful flower. Haunted flowers could be a really cool name for a band but, I digress. This record is for you if you dig wide open spaces. It’s dreamy it’s gorgeous. Check it out.

WIDOWSPEAK: Plum

Who doesn’t love a good Widowspeak? From Jack Nicholson to my neighbor Ronnie there are tons of great people rocking that distinct hairline. This band focuses more on rocking the heck out of a dream-pop shoegaze album. That is just what they do in their latest release Plum. The full album releases on August 28 but for now you can peep the two tracks that they have up on their bandcamp.