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Heavygaze is a subgenre of shoegaze that blends dreamy, ethereal textures with heavier musical elements such as thick distortion, fuzz, and influences from grunge and doom. The result is a dense, atmospheric sound that feels weighty and immersive, often driven by mid-tempo rhythms and layered guitars that prioritise mood as much as impact.

But, what is shoegaze?

Shoegaze is a subgenre of alternative rock known for its "wall of sound" created by distorted, effects-laden guitars, dreamy/ethereal vocals, and atmospheric textures, often evoking nostalgia or melancholy; its name comes from musicians staring at their effects pedals (their "shoes") on stage due to the intense focus on sound. Originating in the UK in the late 1980s/early 1990s, key bands include My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride, blending psychedelic, noise rock, and dream pop elements for immersive soundscapes. 

HEAVYGAZE key characteristics

  • Sound: Traditional shoegaze guitar layers pushed into heavier territory through distortion, fuzz, and low-end emphasis.

  • Production: Thick, dense mixes that favour atmosphere and physical weight over clarity.

  • Tempo: Commonly mid-tempo, creating a steady, driving momentum rather than speed or aggression.

  • Influences: Shoegaze foundations mixed with grunge, fuzz rock, and occasional doom elements—drawing lineage from bands like My Bloody Valentine and Hum, but with added heft.

Associated bands & artists

  • Cloakroom

  • Narrow Head

  • Nothing

  • Superheaven

  • Whirr

  • Soul Blind

  • Swarm (Finland)

  • Slow Crush

  • Julie

Where to explore heavygaze

  • Streaming playlists: Often labelled heavygaze or grungegaze on platforms like Spotify.

  • Bandcamp: A strong space for discovering emerging bands and underground releases.

  • Online communities: Shoegaze-focused forums and subreddits regularly discuss and surface heavygaze artists.

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