Slow Crush set the standard for modern shoegaze. They are simply phenomenal. They deliver everything from glistening swathes of shimmer kissed reverb soundscapes to crushing fuzzed-out passages. Listening to a Slow Crush record evokes a multitude of emotions, yes it seems seeped in a sad longing, traversing its way through melancholia and confusion and permeated by perpetual ennui but there is also a joy to be found there. Helene Cixous uses the word jouissance to describe a spiritual experience that borders on a type of mystical communication; an explosion, diffusion, effervescence and the joy found in being limitless. I feel that there is no more apt word to encompass the sound that Slow Crush channels through their amps, pedals, guitars, vocals and drums.

The band’s second album ‘Hush’ was released in October 2021 and immediately felt like a huge step forward for the band. Debut EP and album ‘Ease’ and ‘Aurora’, respectively, both already held pride of place in my record collection and I devoured them both almost daily. Wearing the grooves in the vinyl, obsessing over sounds, pedal choices, chords and lyrics these records set me on my own shoegaze path. With the release of ‘Hush’ there was nothing repeated, no regurgitation of previous releases. This was a new exploration of sounds, songwriting and production. A change of drummer and guitarist meant that Frederik Meeuwis and Jeron Jullet joined founding members Jelle Harde Ronsmans, guitar, and Isa Holliday, bass and vocals. I can’t help but wonder if the change in lineup allowed for a different sound, a more expansive explorative sound. They never veer into that post-rock space sound but every time I listen to the record I feel enveloped by this swirling, purple, nebulous mass, a hazy wooziness that acts as a comforting whisper while you drift off.

The newly released video for ‘Blue’ off ‘Hush’ is taken from the band’s live-streamed performance at Ancienne Belgique, a performance well worth checking out. Now featuring extra gazey elements and lighting. It’s a perfect visual accompaniment to the track and serves as a glimpse into their live show. The band are now undertaking an extensive North American Tour with Cathedral Bells, Deserta and SOM, as well as some UK, dates planned for later in the year.

‘Billow’ is the newly released B-side to ‘Blue’, it takes on a more driving feel and is less expansive and dense than some of the tracks on ‘Hush’. It almost feels like the bridge between ‘Aurora’ and ‘Hush’. Isa’s vocals float along like being whispered back to you from a dream you’ve woken up from. The production on the track allows the meld and melt of guitar layers whilst maintaining clarity, different sounds rising up out of the sonic melt intermittently taking your attention and disappearing again. The drum sound in particular here is fantastic, its punchy and higher in the mix than you might expect but the kick and snare give the track drive and purpose.

Having caught the band on their last UK tour with Loathe I can attest to what a powerful, mesmerising and transcendent live show they put on. If you have the chance to see them live you shouldn’t let it slip past you. ‘Hush’ is out now on a multitude of amazing vinyl variants and it’s the only real way to listen to their records. Plug the headphones in, drop the needle down and get lost with Slow Crush.

Slow Crush’s Sophomore Album ‘Hush’ Out Now Via Quiet Panic

Review: Michael Smyth