Sam Valdez is blending the genre of shoegaze with her own style. Her latest song “Farther Away” takes the gaze styled trudge and laces folk rock into the mix, taking the swirling and often hazy effects away to reveal a bright yet hypnotic grace. Her song “Hours” is a wonderful example of how she allows the ambiance to be bright yet still possess that escapism of the genre. There’s something about the palette that feels like the soundtrack to the more lush parts of California, where the artist is based out of. Having released a handful of singers with this sound, the world anxiously awaits for her first full length to see how deep she can take her concoction of music.
Shoegaze is a genre that I have personally come to love. From the days back with my friends where I would play “Sometimes” by My Bloody Valentine every Wednesday on the jukebox to the thick, fuzzy bite of Nothing. I wrote an entire column about the genre and love what Valdez is doing with her flair. This all being said, New Noise Magazine is pleased to bring forth a look at some favored shoegaze releases from the aritst Sam Valdez. Take a listen to her song “Farther Away” and get lost in the complexities of brighter layers.
Shoegaze is one of my favorite genres of music, mainly because when I hear the word it immediately makes me think of Mazzy Star. Its hard to choose a favorite record from them but So Tonight That I Might See is definitely one of my most listened to. From start to finish its heart breaking, and there are so many good sounds throughout that are all super minimal but effective.
Slowdives record Souvlake is so washed out and beautiful. The arc of dynamics explored throughout this album is amazing. “When The Sun Hits” has this wall of guitars that comes in and out throughout and its done in such a smart way.
Froth is a more current band and they are incredible. I saw them a few months ago at The Moroccan Lounge before I had really listened to them much on my own time and I was blown away. I would highly recommend checking out “Turn It Off” and ‘Petals’, “Turn It Off” is more uptempo while “Petals” is more laid back but with a very emotionally impactful build.
Lastly, My Bloody Valentines “When You Sleep.” I love the vocals in this song with the high and low octave persistent throughout. The melody is super strong and unexpected to me. They are definitely one of the defining bands of shoegaze in my opinion.
