Tag: shoegaze

Who besides me think covers can be awesome? Well MF did a great cover of ‘Til Tuesday’s classic song. Sydney has a unique voice & it does carry throughout this song. I listened to their Hang out EP for hours as a kid. I loved the shoegazing aspects of fuzz from MF & Starflyer. Tooth & Nail were putting out very different music sounds from the rest of the “Christian” market back then & I was fully on board. Before joining the military I had dreams of going to work for the label.… Continued →

Lost In Ohio are re-releasing the long lost 3rd album from Fluffy, “Sugar Pistol”, and you can pre-order on Vinyl right here. Check out a fun song video created for the track “My Love” right here at Indie Vision Music (click below this message). The video stars Steve Hindalong who you might recognize from dozens of indie acts of the past several decades (The Choir, Lost Dogs, Lifesavers Underground, The Normals, Dead Artist Syndrome) as well as being a well known producer in his own right.… Continued →

I can only think of 1 or 2 songs where the structure of the song is built primarily around one chord. It’s a pretty risky thing to try. Luxury did it with “South” from their debut album. While there are probably others, the only other one I’m aware of is Honey’s “The Way You Move Me” from their sophomore album, Lost on You. A one-chord song seems like it would be incredibly boring, but with the various embellishments, runs that weave in and out, and ways they alter the chord (okay, technically it’s not only one chord–but it’s built around only one) keep things very interesting and almost psychedelic.… Continued →

An exciting indie rock band called The Rocky Valentines that we told you about last week is premiering their new 4 song “Self Titled” EP to the world on September 2nd. Pre-order the new EP from The Rocky Valentines, by clicking this link here. Available on Cassette or CD from Velvet Blue Music.… Continued →

Slow Coming Day are coming out of a long hiatus and dropping their brand new single plus a release called, “The Lost Tapes”, this summer on Fair Vaux Recordings. Stay tuned for more news on this exciting new music.… Continued →

This band was the epitome of one of those all-too-common scenarios in 90s Christian music: the frustratingly great one-album wonder. Driver Eight released Watermelon via Tooth and Nail Records in 1996, to high acclaim from fans and critics alike, and then disappeared into the . . . well, that’s just it–we don’t know what happened! The album featured a highly-effective mix of alternative rock styles including Britpop (even though the band was American), quasi-shoegaze, and jangle pop. It seemed that they were channeling equally such disparate influences as Smashing Pumpkins, Catherine Wheel, R.E.M.,… Continued →

If you’ve followed my writings for any amount of time, it’s not hard to discern my love for all things shoegaze, dream pop and the like. One of the best in the game was the mysterious LN. I was never quite sure if it was a band, or a solo project masquerading as a band. Sure, it was fairly well known that Gary Murray (who later recorded as Gary Murray and LN, and then just as Gary Murray) was the principal of the band, but not as clear who else was involved or at what level.… Continued →

San Francisco-based goth band BATZZ in the Belfry are relatively unknown in the mainstream, but that is a real shame. They combine “unashamed traditional old school goth” with ethereal dream pop, and even hints at shoegaze at times. I suppose this puts them in the realm of darkwave. Take “Touch the Stars” for instance. The song would easily be at home on a Metropolis or Projekt Records compilation alongside Sisters of Mercy, Love and Rockets, or Love Spirals Downwards. The song could almost fit on the Twin Peaks soundtrack as well.… Continued →

Can we please come to a collective agreement as people, as all of mankind, that Starflyer 59 is one of the greatest rock bands of all time? Read on for my short write up on “Vanity”.… Continued →

So a new friend or acquaintance finds out you’re into music. The inevitable question follows: “what kind of music do you like?” How honest are you? Do you simply say, “I like a little bit of everything?” You know that’s not true. You can’t stand Matchbox 20. Do you try something a little more honest, but still generic, like, “mostly rock stuff.” No, that won’t work either–they might think you mean Lynyrd Skynyrd. Or are you blatantly honest with them, knowing they are unlikely to have a clue what you mean: “my favorite genre is probably shoegaze.”… Continued →

The band Luxury are returning to the stage for a special one night only concert event in Atlanta, GA. The concert takes place on September 23rd with Unwed Sailor and NRCSSST joining them. You can buy tickets and find out more info right here.… Continued →

Starflyer 59 are returning next month with a brand new album tiled “Vanity” that will be released through Velvet Blue Music. Jason Martin & Co. have been very active the past few years with loads of new music and if the 3 singles off this album are any indication of the quality present in this record then we are all in for a real treat. Pre-order the album in several different options via the Velvet Blue site right here. I was able to order my super bundle this morning so if you act fast, some of these options might still be available.… Continued →

Jason Martin is back at it, never ceasing to create and release new music. The new single is called “Sunrise” and is decidedly more upbeat than the recent “Life in Bed.” Perhaps the two work as companion pieces? The 80s post-punk and new wave influences are here again, but filtered through Jason’s shoegaze and indie rock background. Check out the song on your streaming platform of choice. Be sure to download and support the artist where possible. https://starflyer59.bandcamp.com/album/sunrise https://soundcloud.com/velvetblue/starflyer-59-sunrise https://open.spotify.com/track/4o5hLF6WnULrPXFCMzmLH5?si=5ee0b792c04143d1… Continued →

I’m a sucker for all things shoegaze, including music that often falls under the wider umbrella of dream pop, madchester/baggy, indie pop and some forms of Britpop and space rock. While shoegaze had a limited representation amongst Christian artists, there were a few who really excelled in the genre. Ypsilanti, Michigan’s Velour 100 was one such artist. Led by Trey Many (who had honed his skills in the mainstream His Name is Alive and Liquorice; also a member of indie rock supergroup Lo-Tom), and rounded out by vocalist Amon Krist (daughter of renowned folk artist Jan Krist) on the debut, the band employed a trio of lead vocalists for their more accessible and also edgier sophomore effort Of Color Bright.… Continued →

Starflyer 59 and filmmaker, Hunter Christy, just put together this wonderful “Life In Bed” short film. Watch it below and comment with your thoughts. Starflyer 59 “Life In Bed” single is out now.… Continued →

First things first: I must apologize for missing a couple of weeks on my Song of the Day features. We’ve been in the middle of an international move. Yes, after 13 years of life in the UK, my family and I have returned to the United States! And we’ve been living out of suitcases while we finalize our housing. So do please forgive me for missing a few posts. However, I hope a new song from Starflyer 59 this week can make up for it. The first thing I noticed from the track was the eerie new wave keyboard sounds and quasi-goth guitar leads.… Continued →

Yeah you heard that right. Starflyer 59 are back with not 1, but 2 NEW songs this year (so far). These 2 new singles are part of an upcoming full length dropping later in the year on Velvet Blue Music. Purchase “Like to Lose” on a Flexi 7″ from Velvet Blue Music right here. I’m always game for new Starflyer 59, any day, any time, no matter what part of year. Any day can be a “Starflyer 59 Day” am I right?… Continued →

As you may have heard, Starflyer 59 has a new song titled “Life In Bed” which appears to have a short film attached to it. The song is out on 6/11 through Velvet Blue Music. You can watch/listen to the teaser trailer, below.… Continued →

Jason Martin and Co. are back yet again with MORE NEW MUSIC. Yeah that’s right, NEW Starflyer 59! As if that wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, well you can pre-order it now on Vinyl from Velvet Blue Music right here. “Life In Bed” out June 11th on Velvet Blue Music. The band last released “Miami” last year via VBM.… Continued →

Revival Hymns just dropped a brand new 3 Song EP titled “Birth Pains”. This is their first new music in over 7 years. The indie/shoegaze band has garnered much interest here in the states by way of Finland/Germany where the members reside. You can listen to the new song “Praise for the Bereft” below. “Incredible”, “Breathtaking”, “Inspiring” are not words to merely toss casually at artists in regards to igniting false hype around something a journalist may find especially appealing (or a record label deems “Important” for us as writers to check out).… Continued →

There used to be a fairly well-known release formula for SF59. Step one: release full-length album. Step two: release EP of similar material within the following year (or even later that same year). While the formula has been tweaked over the years, it still more or less holds. Whereas She’s the Queen was the counterpart to Silver, Miami functions that way for Young in My Head. Although there are some stylistic—and more noticeably, lyrical—differences, any of these songs probably could have been on Young in My Head.… Continued →

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." -Psalm 147:3 Spirit Filled Post Hardcore act, Idle Threat. have released their Tooth & Nail debut "Nothing Is Broken For Good" full of passion, heart, and faith. RIYL: My Epic, Household, Paperweight, Arms for Elephants, and Trainwreck-era Boy's Night Out

Velvet Blue Music has launched pre-orders for the new Starflyer 59 EP “Miami”, due out June 19th. Unfortunately it appears the “Deluxe” Vinyl edition has already sold out at the time I have typed this. You can still order the black vinyl though. Check it all out right here on the VBM site. You can also watch a fun promo clip for “Miami” below.… Continued →

Starflyer 59 have hooked up with Velvet Blue Music again and will release a brand new single titled “This Recliner” on May 14th via the label. This one has that classic sound of their past efforts wrapped up in a warm, smooth package ready to be enjoyed by the masses. This sounds like the perfect continuation of “Young In My Head”, an album released last year on Tooth & Nail Records. I’m so happy to see Jason Martin continuing on with this project and releasing more new music.… Continued →

A worthy new band has arrived on the music scene – Left Neglect and they are garnering the kind of critical acclaim that bands years deep into their careers dream about. This band features members who have played in bands like The Merbabies, Other Desert Cities, Roadside Monument, Focused, Pedro The Lion, and Blenderhead to name a few. What comes immediately to mind on “Children”, the title track off the band’s 6 song Ep is Chris Bowden’s knack for connecting with a listener through a sonic blast of melodic, indie-leaning, sometimes off kilter rock n’ roll.… Continued →

Streaming is great and all but it’s not for everyone. At least that’s the impression I got last time I wrote about albums you can download for free. So I’ve got five more free EPs that released during 2019 you can add to collection. 1. Roelant – The Narrows This 5-song EP is a contender for my best albums/EPs of 2019. Roelant first crossed my radar in 2015 with their album Music to Change the World but failed to making a lasting impression. That all changed when I heard the lead single “Wrong” from their new EP The Narrows earlier this year (check it out below).… Continued →

Bloomsday’s debut “The Day the Colors Died” was brilliant, if a little disjointed. The trio ambitiously covered indie rock, shoegaze, jangle pop, slow-core, lo-fi, and emo all in the span of 10 songs. Amazingly, 20+ years later it still holds up. But it was their second release, this time an EP, that really caught listener’s ears and held them in a death grip. It was much more focused this time around–emotionally charged indie rock that somehow managed to merge emo and shoegaze into a singular, cohesive unit that was both of those things and yet neither of them entirely.… Continued →

To commemorate the deluxe vinyl re-issue of Starflyer 59’s legendary sophomore album, Gold, our Song of the Day has to be a pick from that timeless release. The first time I heard this song was also my first time catching the band live. It was the very first Tooth & Nail Weekend at the Where-House in Bartlesville, OK. Also on the bill was Focused, Unashamed, locals Mr Bishop’s Fist (if you know, you know), Wish for Eden (whose van broke down en route so they were unable to join, unfortunately), Chatterbox, and Plankeye.… Continued →

From Velvet Blue Music . . . “To celebrate the upcoming re-issue of STARFLYER 59 ‘gold’ on vinyl . . . we’ve made a run of Gold era shirts and a cool sticker pack. Links below. Or you can email me if you’d like a link to pay via PayPal jeff@velvetbluemusic.com”. Click below for the links to purchase… Continued →

Instrumental indie rock/post-rock supergroup Unwed Sailor have just released a new single, and for a very limited time it’s a “pay what you want” download. The band had this to say about the track: “Gone Jungle is a stand-alone single that we recorded shortly after mixing our latest record, Heavy Age. It’s a nice mid-point between Heavy Age and what’s to come musically from Unwed Sailor.” Download the track here, and throw ’em a buck or two if you can afford it: www.unwedsailor.bandcamp.com… Continued →