Shoegaze UK
tagStarted 1988Peak 1990-1993Last big hit 1995From United Kingdom
Located in 2 routes
Walls of effects-pedal guitar noise melted into melody: layered distortion, tremolo, reverb and feedback creating a dense, blurred wash over which androgynous vocals float buried in the mix. Dreamy, immersive and texture-first, the sound trades riffs for swirling drones and shimmering haze, drums and bass anchoring an oceanic blur of sound.
History
Named for performers staring down at their pedalboards, the scene coalesced in London and the Thames Valley around 1988-90. My Bloody Valentine's 1991 'Loveless' became its definitive statement, with Ride, Slowdive, Lush and Chapterhouse alongside. Britpop and grunge eclipsed it by 1993-95, though it drew lasting cult reverence and revivals.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoegaze
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/shoegaze-ma0000004453
- https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/shoegaze/