In recent years, we’ve been witnessing the resurgence of shoegaze, a genre with three decades of history that, until recently, didn’t actually have a huge number of bands truly fitting the description. Why is shoegaze so in vogue right now? Are we living through its golden age?

Let’s start at the beginning.

But what exactly is shoegaze?

Shoegaze is distinguished by the use of expansive guitars—loud yet deeply melodic—saturated with effects that create spatial textures. In this setting, vocals often appear suspended or whispered, melting into the mix like just another instrument narrating stories of melancholy and abstraction.

We could say that this sound is to space what Sigur Rós’s album Ágætis byrjun is to the sea; a synesthetic comparison, perhaps, but one I hope helps illustrate the definition.

The term shoegaze was born as a somewhat mocking label from the British press in the late ’80s. Upon observing musicians with their eyes glued to their effects pedals during live sets, critics began talking about shoegazing. What started as a taunt ended up naming a new movement in alternative rock.

Origins and early bands

If we’re looking for the cornerstone of this sound, the consensus usually leads to Loveless (1991) by My Bloody Valentine. However, Psychocandy (1985) by The Jesus and Mary Chain is often pointed to as an essential precursor.

Unlike the punk-inherited rage of the latter, canonical shoegaze opted to strip noise of its primary aggression, softening the edges and turning toward a melancholic introspection. Works like Ride’s Nowhere (1990) or Slowdive’s Souvlaki (1993) marked the scene’s first peak. However, the rise of Britpop in their home market (with Oasis and Blur appearing as unstoppable forces) and the international explosion of grunge (you know, Seattle eating the world) caused it to lose commercial presence, seemingly destined to remain a niche.

Why is shoegaze resurging?

If you’re waiting for a clear-cut answer or a specific milestone, I’m sorry to disappoint you; I don’t think one exists. Regardless, there are several factors that may have influenced it.

First, the original albums have become cult classics for new generations, consistently appearing on lists of emblematic bands, essential records, or “must-hear” tracks.

Consequently, this process may have also encouraged some bands that had split in the late ’90s—such as My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Ride, or Lush—to reunite between 2007 and 2015.

On the other hand, the emergence of what has been dubbed nu-gaze, with exponents like Wisp, Ringo Deathstarr, or A Place to Bury Strangers, has hybridized the original essence with nuances ranging from the most ethereal dream pop to the weight of metal.

But perhaps the most significant reason is technology; today, the layered architecture required for these productions is much more accessible. What once required high-budget studios and complex engineering can now be achieved with affordable pedals and software, democratizing its creation.

Shoegaze, shoegaze everywhere

Due to the reasons above, the genre is healthier than ever, with bands emerging that explore new territories closer to grunge and metal.

Personally, the genre’s initial stage didn’t pique much of my interest, but lately, new projects have appeared that have truly made me turn back toward the genre:

• Adiós Cometa: One of my favorites in the genre, this Costa Rican band has a style that very much defines the current scene. Where to start: “Transparente.”

• she’s green: This Minneapolis band is characterized by mixing shoegaze with dream pop, generating sweeter yet powerful atmospheres. Where to start: “graze.”

• Shaki Tavi: The project led by Leon Mosburg mixes shoegaze with denser guitars, creating a heavier but melodic atmosphere. Where to start: “Lip.”

• Wednesday: Is Wednesday a shoegaze band? Not primarily, but their second LP I Was Trying to Describe You to Someone can certainly be described as belonging to the style. Where to start: “November.”

Coda: Are we living in the golden age of shoegaze?

The impact of the original wave was profound, but the current growing scene feels like something more than mere nostalgia. Furthermore, as we’ve discussed, technological evolution makes the genre more accessible to bands that perhaps couldn’t have afforded it just 10 years ago.

So, we can conclude that while we might not be in its golden age, shoegaze is, at the very least, enjoying a second youth.