Gift Four – Dustin

Space Music

(Shoegazer, dream pop, space rock, psychedelic, and freak-folk.)
Shoegazer is a genre of alternative rock that emerged from the United Kingdom in the late 1980s. It lasted until the mid 1990s, peaking circa 1990 to 1991. Bands that embodied this sound, such as My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Ride, and Slowdive, often maintained a motionless performing style, standing on stage and staring at the floor while playing their instruments; hence, the idea that they were gazing at their shoes. The shoegazing sound featured extensive use of guitar effects, and indistinguishable vocal melodies that blended into the creative noise of the guitars. Few shoegazers were dynamic performers or interesting interviewees, which prevented them from breaking through into markets in the United States. A lump description given to shoegaze bands in London in the early 1990s was “The Scene That Celebrates Itself” In the 1990s, shoegaze groups were pushed aside by the likes of American grunge and Britpop, forcing bands to breakup or evolve into a different style. Recent times have seen a renewed interest in the genre, among so-called “nu-gaze” bands.

While the bands I have picked don’t belong to the original shoegazer movement, their sounds all borrow heavily from this style. From the heavily synthesized vocals, blending into the guitar fuzz, to the reverb of instruments sounding like they were played in a huge expanse… the main ingredient is major echo that gives the impression that the music is floating to you, maybe from a long way off. Also included, are bands that belong to the revival of psychedelic/freak-folk genres that blended the resurgently popular folk and shoegazer ideas.

1. “Untitled” – Interpol
2. “One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21” – The Flaming Lips
3. “Brother” – Annuals
4. “Is There a Ghost” – Band of Horses
5. “Static Waves” – Pacific UV

All of these tracks are awesome, but my personal favorite is Static Waves by Pacific UV. Enjoy!

Pacific UV – Static Waves