Ceremony–East Coast
Genre: Post Punk, Psychedelic Rock, Noise Rock, Shoegazing
FFO: Nothing, The Cherry Wave, Weekend
No, this is not the latest record by the Hardcore Punks that received a Smiths/Joy Division makeover back in 2015.
This Ceremony in particular has been putting out some of the best modern Shoegazing records since 2005 (coincidentally the same year the other Ceremony formed).
Rather than change their name, this Virginia-based project feels more inclined to just constantly remind listeners of their differing geographical location as evident from their latest album title. Works for me.
East Coast features a more Post Punk-centered sound (sounds familiar) but effectively utilizes pummeling walls of sound present in previous releases for a wonderful Postgazey (I use this term ironically) sound.
Stream below and indulge yourself in the “other” Ceremony.
Echo Ladies–Pink Noise
Genre: Indie Pop, Synth Pop, Dream Pop, Shoegazing
FFO: The Cure, Cocteau Twins, Purity Ring
Swedish trio Echo Ladies provide a charming debut record bringing together the forces of bright, dreamy synthpop and pummeling shoegaze.
Pink Noise is short but very sweet. Immerse yourself in these thirty minutes of pure sonic bliss.
Launder–Pink Cloud
Genre: Indie Rock, Dream Pop, Jangle Pop, Shoegazing
FFO: Diiv, Day Wave, Wild Nothing
With guest riffs by Diiv‘s Zachary Cole Smith and production duties by Day Wave‘s Jackson Phillips, it comes as no surprise that LA’s John Cudlip starts musical career off on a strong note with his debut LP Pink Cloud.
Utilizing the stage name Launder, Cudlip presents five solid tracks of feel-good, dreamy, Indie Rock.
Magic Wands–Abrakadabr
Genre: Indie Rock, Dream Pop, Psychedelic Rock, Jangle Pop, Synth Pop, Dark Wave
FFO: Beach House, Crystal Castles, Diiv
LA-based duo Magic Wands present a darker, more ethereal take on their signature sound with LP #3.
Abrakadabra invokes the spooky, witchy-based soundscapes its imagery and title suggests moving away from the more polished, upbeat, Black Keys-esque sound,
The two piece plays with grim atmosphere, pristine guitar licks, synth, and more to achieve what I consider to be their strongest release thus far.