Exploring the Shoegaze/Indie Rock Genre

Kylie Swain 

Music Journalist 

Ethereal soundscapes and emotional lyrics have always fascinated listeners of shoegaze and alternative rock. For fans of iconic shoegaze bands like Slowdive and Cocteau Twins, discovering new music that carries the same dreamlike quality can be a fun experience. This article explores a selection of old and modern bands and artists who are keeping the spirit of these genres alive. From the dreamy sounds of Lush to the modern twists of Dreams We’ve Had, Daydream Twins, Title Fight, and Velora, each recommendation offers a unique listening experience that will resonate with listeners of shoegaze, dream pop, and indie rock. 

If you are a fan of shoegaze bands like Slowdive and Cocteau Twins, you should give Lush a listen. With a dreamlike guitar and soft melodies, Lush is a prime example of a shoegaze/dream pop band that originated in the late 80’s early 90’s, led by Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson. The British band gained an early following during the release of their first EPs, creating five albums, 12 EPs, and many singles, with their last album released in 1996. For a curated experience, start with “Kisses” by Slowdive, “Cherry-Coloured Funk” by Cocteau Twins, and then “I Have the Moon” by Lush. These tracks capture the essence of the genre and are sure to resonate with any shoegaze enthusiast. 

If you appreciate shoegaze with an alternative twist, like Wisp and Glare, you should explore the music of Dreams We’ve Had. Dreams We have Had is an indie rock/dream pop solo project created by Bennett Blumberg. Based in Minneapolis, the band consists of lead singer Bennett Blumberg, secondary singer Kenzie Jansen, drummer Blake Grainger, and guitarist Austin Blumberg. Since 2016, the band has released 3 albums, 2 EPs, and 9 singles. I recommend listening to “Your Face” by Wisp, “Blank” by Glare, and then checking out “Darling” by Dreams We’ve Had. These songs exemplify the unique blend of styles and are essential listening for fans of the genre. 

If you are drawn to songs with an alternative/dream pop vibe like The Strokes, LSD and Search for God, you should check out the Daydream Twins. The four-person band from Austin, TX, is led by Jordan Terry on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Aiden Babinski on lead guitar, and other members Christian Welvaert and Jacob Silvia as the bassist and drummer. The band began creating ethereal tunes in August 2021 from their bedroom and released their first single, “Carpop,” from a cheap preamp and an outdated version of GarageBand. Since September 2022, the group has released 1 album, 1 EP, and 3 singles. For a taste of this genre, I recommend “Call It Fate, Call It Karma” by The Strokes, “Starting Over” by LSD and the Search for God, and “Carpop” by Daydream Twins. These tracks perfectly capture the essence of this atmospheric sound. 

If you enjoy indie rock with the raw edge of bands like Hole and Paramore, you should give Title Fight a listen. From Kingston, Pennsylvania, Title Flight combines a guitar-driven sound with emo and post-hardcore vocals. The band formed in 2003, consisting of Jamie Rhoden on guitar and vocals, Ned Russin on bass, Ben Russin on drums, and later guitarist Shane Moran in 2005. The band has released 4 albums, 1 EP, and 2 singles, with their latest album being released in 2015. Hole’s “Petals” offers a grunge-infused intensity, while Paramore’s “Decode” highlights their signature energetic style. For a good introduction to Title Fight, check out their song “In-Between,” which blends emotive lyrics with powerful instrumentals. These tracks highlight the dynamic range within indie rock, providing a rich listening experience. 

If you are a fan of alternative rock bands like Mazzy Star and Whirr, you should explore Velora. Fresh from Miami, Florida, the alternative rock/shoegaze 5-member band Velora dropped their first and only album, “Demonstration,” in November 2023. Fans of Glare and Slowdive were captivated by their sound and are excited for the future work from Velora. Their music is focused on quality rather than quantity and is driven completely by their passion for music. For a taste of this genre, I recommend listening to “Rose Blood” by Mazzy Star, “Younger Than You” by Whirr, and “Blank Stare” by Velora. These tracks capture the essence of alternative rock, blending reminiscent lyrics with mesmerizing melodies. 

The world of shoegaze, dream pop, and alternative rock is rich with talent, offering a diverse range of sounds for listeners to explore. Each band or artist brings their own unique touch to the genres, ensuring that the music of shoegaze and alternative rock continues to thrive. Whether you are in the mood for the nostalgic vibes of the early ’90s or the innovative sounds of today’s indie scene, these artists provide a curated musical journey that captures the essence of what makes these genres so compelling. Try it and dive into their discographies, letting their music transport you, just like it does for me, to a whole new world of sound.