Letting the music guide, through a series of deeply personal reflections on adulthood and uncertainty about progression in life. Ziggy Lebon captures the enchanting mood of indie rock and shoegaze’s past, with the three-track EP FOOA (Fear Of Old Age).
Shoegaze
The organic and raw capture of a live performance, joyful intimacy resounding by way of keys and acoustic guitar, leads us into the imagery and appreciation of Byron Times.
Music to Bruno Marinho has forever been a therapeutic form of escapism. The focus and emotional resetting of the creative process is often what makes for the most engaging and interesting music, and that’s absolutely the case with the freedom and allure of Worlds Unseen.
There’s an intriguing vagueness to some of these lyrics, especially given the quiet mix, but always we’re gifted a satisfying hook resolve – a broader statement and light melody, to leave us with a strong sense of possibility and calm than anything else. Authenticity seems to be the driving force throughout the Come Along EP, and by employing that without concern, Scott Keesler has drifted down a road that’s entirely his own.
From dreamy beginnings, reverb-soaked guitar creates a sense of rising brightness amidst an atmospheric wash of synths. A spoken word voice is distant but poignant in its reference to violence breeding violence, and the mood is uplifting in line with this – just as the central groove of the track falls into place.
Soft rock to shoegaze stylings with a surfer-esque sense of joyful possibility – these are the bright and beautiful qualities that light up the otherwise contemplative but calming lyrical sentiments of Longplayer’s latest single I Saw You Turning Around.
Ukrainian artist and multi-instrumentalist Kondo wa Kondo, having relocated to America, found creative inspiration in the depths of nostalgia and missing something like home. In searching for the right word to explain these feelings, this struggle to adapt and accept such new surroundings, appeared to fit well under the Welsh word ‘Hiraeth’. The idea is a deep sense of longing for a place that no longer exists or can no longer be reached.
Striking artwork and a unique fusion of contemporary emo and classic pop punk – Free Mace captures his own artistic identity, with the proudly atmospheric and revealing new album Better Off Bitter.
Aruba four-piece activemirror. continue to bring the colour and melody to the indie shoegaze scene, with the summer-ready anthem that is Opal.
Haunting complexities and profound reflections build up a sort of cinematic and poetic chamber of sound and uniquely intriguing expressions. Ireland’s Kevin Gleeson is the artistic mind behind Sour Blood, a project from which the album Suas emerges as a deceptively hazy, ultimately complex and compelling collection of original works.
Energetic indie vibes blend extensive melodic guitar lines with summertime lightness and a punk-rock pace – myqo join forces with Raphael Low, for the intensely catchy new anthem scream.
Celebratory pop rock with a hazy nostalgic mix – Alexander Beresford writes melodies and songs from the heart, throughout the likes of his single Don’t Break My Heart.