While it may sound like something an introvert does at a party, shoegaze is actially a genre of rock music originating in the UK in the 1980’s, with bands such as Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine pioneering a new sound. The main trademark of the genre involves the electric guitar, with layering and distortion of various rythms and backing riffs producing a “wall of sound” heard in many songs. This effect is achieved through the use of various effect pedals, giving guitarists the abiility to control the amounts of reverb, distortion and delay.
While the popularity of the genre peaked during the late 80’s and into the 90’s, there are still many artists using the same methods to provide listeners with the unique but familiar sounds of shoegaze. A personal favorite song of mine is “Bum” by Kraus, a Texas shoegaze artist. The entire song was written, played, and recorded by Will Kraus, which is an insane fact once you listen to the many layers and effects the song contains. The song also features a more muted/distorted vocal track, a trademark of many other shoegaze bands in the past. If anything from this genre seems interesting, I’d definitely check out tracks from Cocteu Twins, My Bloody Valentine, Airiel, Slowdive, and Blonde Redhead.
^banger alert