Shoegaze is often associated with aloofness. Loud/distorted guitars, mumbled vocals way far back in the mix, and the complete lack of interest from the performer connecting with an audience.
However, shoegaze is kind of having its moment again. And for good reason! It’s some of the most life affirming music you can hear.
There’s no better experience than listening to a band like My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive at ungodly levels and just getting wrapped up in the sound. The elements of the genre can be incredibly moving and give you a live experience that is hard to replicate with any other offshoot of “rock music.”
Along with other modern-day examples of the evolution the genre, Whirr is a band to investigate. Clevelanders will be lucky enough to check out the California band at Mahall’s 20 Lanes this coming Monday.
Their sound is exactly as described as above. It’s going to be really loud (maybe even louder than any band you’ve heard before), it’s going to be distorted, and you’re not going to understand much of the lyrics. But it’s going to be awesome to check them out in a small room with great acoustics and maybe bowl a little before or after.
Wear your best shoes, because you’ll be looking at them a lot.
PHOTO: RYAN McLOL
