slowdive

everything is alive – Dead Oceans

Slowdive released their first album in 1991, but they made their mark with Souvlaki, their second release, 30 years ago (1993). It was then that one of the best shoegaze albums to ever grace our ears was born – pairing nicely with the sound that was being created by the likes of My Bloody Valentine and Ride. They went on hiatus in 1995 due to being dropped by influential label, Creation Records. In the aftermath, three of the members went on to 4AD records as Mojave 3, and they released 3 albums of material. Reunited in 2014, they released their self-titled fourth album in 2017 under the Dead Oceans label, marking a huge return and setting the pace for this brilliant fifth album, everything is alive.

It’s not hyperbole to say this is their best effort to date. It reaches back to their monster album, Souvlaki, and expands on the themes and musical landscapes that they have crafted over the last 30 years. Their fanbase is getting younger, although there are olds like me that have been with them since the start. Perhaps because of the youthful ears, the music is urgent and future forward – lofi and bedroom pop, mixed with essential shoegaze fuzz.

Track 5, “kisses,” is spectacular glittering dream pop syrupiness and ethereal charm. An up-tempo beat that has the classic low register vocals, courtesy of Neil Halstead, mixed in with Rachel Goswell’s angelic backing vocals. It is pure Slowdive sound. “skin in the game,” track 6, provides drone filled guitar noise and vocals that flirt above the clouds. The atmosphere is foggy and balances between somber and illuminated. Track 8, “the slab,” is frenetic, dark, and dizzy. Synths pairing with buzzing guitar and a banging drumbeat. “alife,” track 3, has a new wave feel – the synths and vocals hint back to the early 80s goth scene.

Like the Dot Allison record, this promptly goes to the top of my 2023 favorites list. The old dogs have produced one for the ages. Slowdive shows off their familiar sound with flourishes of modern indie rock.

I like: 5**, 6**, 8**, 3**, 2**, and 7*. THEY ARE ALL GREAT.

– (h)earwitness