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Shoegaze, a subgenre of indie and alternative rock often associated with dream pop, is characterized by its ethereal blend of obscured vocals, heavy guitar distortion, effects-laden soundscapes, and overwhelming volume. Emerging in Ireland and the UK in the late 1980s among neo-psychedelic bands, its name stems from musicians’ tendency to gaze downward at their effects pedals during performances. My Bloody Valentine’s 1991 album Loveless is considered the genre’s defining work, with other key bands including Slowdive, Ride, Lush, Curve, Pale Saints, Swirlies, Chapterhouse, and Swervedriver.
Shoegaze was closely linked to the early ’90s London scene dubbed “the scene that celebrates itself” and drew influence from The Jesus and Mary Chain and Cocteau Twins. Though it was largely overshadowed by grunge and Britpop in the mid-1990s, leading many bands to disband or evolve, shoegaze has seen a resurgence since the late 2010s, influencing modern nu gaze and blackgaze movements.Shoegaze
Wish is The Cure at their most dynamic—soaring highs, gut-wrenching lows. Jangly joy (Friday I’m in Love) meets sprawling heartbreak (From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea). Bigger guitars, deeper emotions—proof they were never just gloom merchants.
Gish is the sound of a band halfway between a garage and a temple. It’s a messy, beautiful storm of ambition and distortion that still hums with strange energy over 30 years later. The Smashing Pumpkins weren’t fully formed yet—but that might be what makes Gish feel so alive.