Rock music is a universe as rich as it is dense. Emerging in the US during the 1950s, it drew its influences from the dominant genres of previous decades, such as blues and folk, while carving out a distinctive, rebellious sound.
Since then, it has constantly evolved, giving birth to numerous subgenres shaped by societal shifts and technological breakthroughs. Navigating all the subtle nuances that music offers us today can be challenging. That is why our team has decided to spotlight some of rock’s mutations to help you better understand their origins and characteristics, while recommending essential releases to refine your knowledge. And we are kicking things off with a genre close to our hearts: Shoegaze.
Emerging in the UK in the late 1980s, it stands out for its dreamlike, melancholic atmosphere driven by hypnotic guitar riffs, deep basslines, and spellbinding drums. Shoegaze bands rely heavily on effects like reverb and distortion, often burying the vocals deep in the mix. In fact, the term ‘shoegaze’ refers to the musicians’ habit of standing motionless on stage, staring down at their effects pedals and shoes while performing.
While shoegaze initially took people by surprise, it has since garnered a dedicated fanbase and has been rediscovered by subsequent generations, paving the way for other genres like post-rock, dream pop, and cold wave. So, let yourself be carried away by this dreamlike vortex with our selection of 3 iconic bands and 3 contemporary acts. Have a nice trip!
Slowdive
Activity: 1989 – Present
Country: England (Reading)
Label: Creation Records, Dead Oceans
Best album: Souvlaki (1993)
Best Tracks: When the Sun Hits, Alison, Sugar for the Pill
My Bloody Valentine
Activity: 1983 – Present
Country: Ireland (Dublin)
Label: Tycoon, Lazy, Creation Records, Sire Records
Best album: Loveless (1991)
Best Tracks: When You Sleep, Only Shallow, Sometimes
Ride
Activity: 1988 – Present
Country: England (Oxford)
Label: Wichita Recordings, Creation Records, Sire Records
Best album: Nowhere (1990)
Best Tracks: Vapour Trail, Leave Them All Behind, Seagull
DIIV
Activity: 2011 – Present
Country: USA (NYC)
Label: Captured Tracks
Best album: Oshin (2012)
Best Tracks: Doused, Under the Sun, Dopamine
BDRMM
Activity: 2018 – Present
Country: England (Hull)
Label: Sonic Cathedral
Best album: Bedroom (2020)
Best Tracks: Happy, Gush, Momo
Ringo Deathstarr
Activity: 2005 – Present
Country: USA (Austin)
Label: Club AC30
Best album: Pure Mood (2015)
Best Tracks: Gazin, Stare at the Sun, Heavy Metal Suicide
