Click on any of the photos to be taken to the band’s myspace page.
Amusement Parks on Fire
Originally a solo project by Michael Feerick, Nottingham’s Amusement Parks on Fire is now a five-piece group. Their latest EP, Young Fight, came out last year and a new full length album is expected soon. A heavy upbeat sound make them a good addition to any shoegaze playlist.
Hammock
Referred as having a similar style to Boards of Canada and Explosions in the Sky, Hammock is a collaboration between Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson based out of Nashville. Hammock built up a collection of 40 songs before signing and releasing any material. Maybe They Will Come Out Tomorrow, released in 2008, is Hammock’s latest album and is a perfect soundtrack for spring/autumn daydreaming.
The Radio Dept.
Shoegaze influenced indie rock band from Sweden, The Radio Dept. gained success in the early half of last decade from their first release, Lesser Matters. Currently the band is set to release their latest album, Clinging To A Scheme.
M83
Originally started by Anthony Gonzales and Nicolas Fromageau in 2001, M83 is now the solo work of Gonzales. Although using less guitar than most shoegaze bands, his blend of reverb and loud instrumentals will make anyone stare down and nod. The electronic sound also has ties to one of the earlier shoegaze bands, Spacemen 3. Get lost in “Couleurs” off 2008’s Saturdays = Youth.
Parachutes
While not singing in Hopelandish like fellow Icelandic band Sigur Ros, Parachutes do bear some resemblance to them. Their sound is softer and the slow drumming and experimental sound effects make them a dreamy shoegaze act. Check out their myspace and listen to “Tree Roots Turn to Forts.”
The Big Pink
Despite relying on the electro-rock shtick, this English duo’s vocals have that slow drawl that is a staple among some shoegaze acts. Whether you dig shoegaze or not, they are a great band to listen to and last year’s debut A Brief History of Love proves it.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Picking things up again, these New Yorkers have that fuzzed out guitar sound similar to shoegaze greats My Bloody Valentine. Upbeat drums and bass lines may make one take their eyes off their shoes and look to see if anyone sees them dancing around. Check out “Come Saturday” off their self-titled debut.
A Place to Bury Strangers
Staying with NYC, the band formed in 2003 and have unleashed a heavy noise rock sound through two studio albums and a ton of EPs. In 2007 they had the privilege of playing with one of their major influences, The Jesus and Mary Chain. Have a listen to “Deadbeat” on their myspace in what almost sounds like a bomb dropping with the entrance of the guitars.
The Flowers of Hell
An orchestra made up of over 16 musicians based in London and Toronto combining classical, space rock and shoe gaze. Their latest album, 2009’s Come Hell or High Water could easily score a film and make it from being a crappy film to a film with bad acting, but with a wicked soundtrack.
