Cosmopaark switches things up on ‘Backyard’
Bordeaux shoegaze band Cosmopaark has released their latest EP, Backyard, which features five tracks that blend classic shoegaze with modern noise pop. The EP was recorded in a studio, allowing the band to experiment with new production techniques. Backyard explores themes of resilience and introspection while showcasing their evolving sound. With a limited-edition release that quickly sold out, Cosmopaark's creative journey continues to captivate fans. Read our interview with vocalist Clément Pelofy.
November 2024 Best Releases
Bandcamp Friday is on a break until December. We rounded up a list of October releases any way.
Phantom Handshakes on instinct, mood and success
Phantom Handshakes explores themes of twilight and emotional depth in their latest album Sirens at Golden Hour. The dream pop duo is Matt Sklar and Federica Tassano. They perform live as a 5-piece alongside Meghan Seeberg, Matt Billington, and Brian Alvarez. Sonically, the release expands on their lo-fi soundscapes, while they touch on themes of hope, despair and the climate crisis. We connected with the pair to discuss instinctual songwriting, measuring success and more.
all under heaven makes magic on ‘What Lies Ahead Of Me’
all under heaven's debut album What Lies Ahead Of Me, highlights the band’s evolution. The New Jersey band is Nick DeFabritus, Michael Cucci, Aaron Brenner, and Jake Rubin. Their new album blends old and new tracks, showcasing themes of loneliness, growth, and introspection through emotive shoegaze music. With contributions from band members and collaborator Wyatt Oberholzer, the album introduces new elements like synths and electronic drums. The spontaneous creation of "Believing," influenced by "Just Like Heaven," adds an energetic touch. The shift towards a more collaborative recording process revitalized their approach, leading to a renewed creative spirit. Read our interview with Nick DeFabritus and Michael Cucci in which we discuss collaboration, X-files, and making magic in the studio.
daarling dives into the deep within
Chicago-based trio daarling has emerged onto the music scene with their debut album, "The Deep Within." Recorded in the basement of their old practice space with CJ Melton, the album showcases a mix of alt-rock and shoegaze, tinged with elements of noise and grunge. Tracks like "Metamorphosis" and "Out of Greed" offer introspective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, highlighting daarling's ability to craft emotive and compelling music. As they embark on a spring tour to promote their album, daarling promises to continue pushing creative boundaries while staying true to their evocative sound. Read our Q&A with the band.
Dead Leaf Echo digs into The Mercy of Women
Dead Leaf Echo has been an integral part of New York’s shoegaze scene for over a decade. On their latest album ‘The Mercy of Women,’ Dead Leaf Echo experiments with song structure and genre further developing their craft. Delays stemming from the pandemic resulted in the album taking over six years from start to finish. We connected with the band’s vocalist LG Galleon to discuss the album’s evolution, concept, and more.
Holy Wave's Album Five of Cups Marks the Band’s Profound Reexamination
Austin psych rock outfit Holy Wave, comprised of Ryan Fuson, Kyle Hager, Joseph Cook, and Julian Ruiz, boasts a rich musical history. Rooted in surf-rock, lo-fi garage, and dream pop, their intricate compositions blend pop sensibilities with experimental sounds. Their latest album, Five of Cups stands as some of their best work. Tracks like "Five of Cups" and "Hypervigilance" showcase their ability to craft immersive sonic landscapes. The album's inspiration arose from a tarot reading, prompting the band to reassess their path forward after pandemic-induced uncertainty.
Photo Credit: James Oswald
Catching up with psychedelic indie rock band ACUA
Q&A with Cologne psychedelic / indie rock band ACUA.
Photo credit: Jennifer Friedrich