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Shoegaze: From Underground Origins to Modern Resurgence
Born of the alt rock and post-punk scenes of the late ‘80s, shoegaze music is known for its ‘wall of sound’ approach — combining lush textures, introspective lyrics, and layered soundscapes to draw listeners in. While early bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive achieved cult success in underground scenes, the genre fell out of mainstream fashion until its resurgence in the 2000s and 2010s, with artists like Whirr, Nothing, and Kraus. Since then, shoegaze has found mainstream popularity in artists like Novulent and Wisp, whose viral tracks have solidified the genre’s ongoing ability to captivate both long-time fans and new listeners alike.
The Original Shoe Gazers: My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride
Shoegaze originated in the U.K. and Ireland in the late 1980s as a subgenre of alternative rock, fusing the sounds of post-punk bands like The Jesus and Mary Chain and dream pop pioneers such as the Cocteau Twins with influences from noise rock and space rock. The result was a new sound laden with layered guitars and effects like reverb, distortion, and delay. Early practitioners like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride found cult popularity for their emotionally resonant lyrics and innovative, textured soundscapes.
The genre gets its peculiar name from the performance style of early artists — musicians often stood still on stage, looking down at their extensive arrays of guitar pedals rather than engaging with the audience. Because of this introverted stage presence, journalists dismissed them as “shoegazers,” and the name stuck. Eventually, artists and listeners embraced it as an embodiment of the genre’s authentic, gritty sound.
The Sole of Shoegaze
Given the name “shoegaze” originated from the performers' focus on their guitar effects pedals, it’s no surprise that these pedals play a crucial role in shaping the genre's sound. At its core, shoegaze is defined by layers of guitar effects like reverb and distortion. Reverb adds depth and a sense of space, creating an atmospheric and dreamlike quality as heard in Slowdive’s "When the Sun Hits," while delay introduces echo-like repetitions, forming rich, hypnotic rhythms like those of My Bloody Valentine’s "To Here Knows When." Other effects, such as fuzz, chorus, flanger, and phaser, further enrich these layered soundscapes, producing textures ranging from gritty density to shimmering modulations and altered frequencies.
In contrast, shoegaze vocals are typically subdued, giving precedence to soundscapes and blending with the instrumentals to enhance the music’s ethereal quality. While this may make the lyrics seem secondary, they’re often imbued with rich emotional themes like introspection, longing, and nostalgia, adding to the genre’s dreamlike aura.
From My Bloody Valentine to the 2010s
My Bloody Valentine’s seminal album Loveless (1991) is often regarded as the one of the most influential shoegaze records. Its groundbreaking production techniques, led by frontman Kevin Shields, pushed the boundaries of what was possible with studio recording. Other influential bands, such as Slowdive and Ride, contributed to the genre’s identity with albums like Souvlaki (1993) and Nowhere (1990), respectively. While shoegaze waned in popularity with the shifting music scene of the mid ‘90s, these foundational acts left their mark on the industry, influencing future generations of musicians.
In the ‘10s and ‘20s, shoegaze experienced a resurgence in popularity, with bands like Whirr, Nothing and Kraus leading the charge. Whirr and Kraus stay true to classic shoegaze with ‘wall of sound’ guitar textures and ethereal vocals that float above dense soundscapes reminiscent of the likes of Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine. Similarly, Nothing combines the lush texture of shoegaze with grunge influences to create a melodic yet distorted sound as heard on their album Guilty of Everything (2014).
Artists like Ringo Deathstarr, DIIV, Deafheaven, and Beach House have proven that shoegaze’s ‘wall of sound’ approach is remarkably adaptable, blending the genre’s traditional elements — lush, reverb-drenched guitars and ethereal vocals — with influences from indie pop, dream pop, post-rock, and even black metal. Ringo Deathstarr gives the genre a more modern, high-energy sound, while DIIV and Beach House tone it down, blending shoegaze with indie rock and dream pop, respectively, to give it a more atmospheric, airy texture. At the same time, Deafheaven merges shoegaze with black metal to create “blackgaze,” a darker, more intense version of the genre. Yet, even as newer bands reinterpret the genre to resonate with both long-time fans and newer listeners, legacy acts still remain relevant. Both My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive released critically-acclaimed albums in the 2010s, proving the genre’s pioneers still have more to offer.
Shoegaze Today
While modern artists have made shoegaze their own, the true appeal of the genre remains the same as ever. The emotional depth of its lyrics, combined with its immersive aural textures, creates an authentic listening experience that's hard to find in other popular genres. These dreamy soundscapes have influenced everything from fashion to film soundtracks, meaning that even if you're not an avid shoegaze listener, you’ve likely encountered its aesthetic, especially if you’re active on social media.
Modern innovators like Novulent and Wisp have found online virality for their shoegaze music. Their viral successes on TikTok exposed many listeners to the depths of shoegaze music, ensuring its relevance in the digital age. Novulent’s sprawling, melancholic soundscapes, as heard on their viral song "scars," echo the genre’s classic roots while incorporating elements of ambient rock and post-rock. On the other hand, Wisp combines lo-fi production with dreamlike vocals to produce tracks like her viral song, "Your face.” Together, these artists represent a new wave of shoegaze that experiments with fresh approaches while maintaining the genre’s foundational characteristics.
An Ever-Evolving, Evocative Genre
From niche subgenre to viral phenomenon, shoegaze has proven its enduring appeal. The genre’s ability to evolve while maintaining its core identity is a testament to the creativity and passion of its founding artists. As modern musicians continue to experiment with the genre, shoegaze remains versatile and dynamic. It’s a genre where new and old listeners can explore feelings of melancholy, nostalgia, and wonder through its uniquely emotive soundscapes. Whether it's through the traditional approach of Whirr, the heavy distortion of Deafheaven, or the viral success of Novulent, shoegaze continues to captivate listeners, proving it is a genre that remains as evocative as ever.
