#ShoegazeRevival documents the 2010s resurgence of shoegaze—the 1990s genre defined by ethereal vocals buried in walls of reverb and distortion—through both original bands’ reunions (My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive) and new artists embracing the aesthetic (Beach House, DIIV).
Original Bands’ Returns (2013-2014)
My Bloody Valentine’s m b v (February 2013)—their first album in 22 years—shocked the music world with a surprise release. Despite the gap, it received widespread acclaim (Pitchfork 9.0) and proved Kevin Shields’ perfectionism hadn’t dulled. Slowdive reformed in 2014 after 20 years, releasing their acclaimed self-titled comeback (2017). Ride, Lush, and Swervedriver also reunited, touring extensively. These returns validated shoegaze’s enduring appeal and introduced younger fans to the originals.
New Generation (2010s)
New artists embraced shoegaze textures: Beach House’s dream-pop incorporated reverb-drenched guitars, DIIV’s Oshin (2012) captured drugged-out atmospheres, Nothing’s Guilty of Everything (2014) combined shoegaze with hardcore intensity, and Deafheaven’s Sunbather (2013) fused black metal with shoegaze walls of sound. Bedroom producers discovered shoegaze through effects pedals and DAWs. The genre’s ability to create immersive soundscapes resonated with artists seeking alternatives to indie rock’s folk turn.
Community & Culture
Shoegaze developed a dedicated Reddit community (r/shoegaze), boutique effects pedal companies, and genre-specific festivals. The hashtag documented pedalboards, favorite albums, and debates over “true” shoegaze versus adjacent genres. The revival proved shoegaze’s influence extended beyond its brief 1990s peak into a sustained aesthetic movement.