motel void

JUNIOR WIRE – RED TELLER

Junior Wire is a British project that has truly mastered the dreamy side of shoegaze. If you’re a fan of the genre – as I certainly am – this is an easy recommendation. Red Teller has everything you could ask for: gorgeous hazy guitar textures, fantastic vocals, thoughtful songwriting, and beautifully balanced production. It’s the kind of track that reminds you why shoegaze remains so endlessly captivating. Simply put, this is top-tier shoegaze. I don’t have much more to add – just give it a listen. And while you’re at it, check out our Enter the (Shoegaze) Void playlist.

GLAASCATS – SEND THE LETTER

We don’t come across many Swiss bands, but Glaascats have already appeared on our radar several times – and for good reason. They consistently deliver excellent music. Send the Letter immediately stands out thanks to its infectious guitar riff and an equally memorable vocal melody, both of which drive the song from start to finish. As it unfolds, the track gradually becomes rougher around the edges, taking on a subtle grunge-punk character. At one point, the vocal delivery even reminded me of vintage The Doors, which makes for a surprisingly effective contrast before the song slips back into its beautifully hypnotic verses. A genuinely compelling track.

KID TIGRRR – THERAPY

Kid Tigrrr is the solo project of singer-songwriter and visual artist Jenna Fournier, best known as the frontwoman of the shoegaze outfit Niights. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Grouper, Mazzy Star, My Bloody Valentine, CocoRosie, Grimes, and The Cure, she has also earned the support of my all-time favourite, Billy Corgan, who releases her music on his label – which is recommendation enough in itself.

Therapy is carried by Fournier’s exceptional vocal performance and expressive delivery. It reminds me a little of early Phoebe Bridgers, if those songs had been filtered through a dreamy bedroom-pop aesthetic. Emotional, melodic, and thoughtfully written, it’s another beautiful example of understated songwriting done right!