Five dream-pop / shoegaze EPs to check out
When I was drafting this article, the summer had arrived in style. Even though there are certain albums that I associate with this time of year, I would also say that shoegaze and dream pop is often the soundtrack to enjoying the warm weather outside. There were times that I would grab a pair of headphones, go outside and watch life go by whilst being transported the ambiant sounds of the genres.
To celebrate the summer (or what’s left of it), I decided to make a compilation of five EPs that I have enjoyed a lot over the last few months. I hope to give you some details and opinions about each one, as well as the link to EP on Bandcamp. I also decided to make a playlist with two songs from each selection.
I hope you get as much pleasure from listening to these EPs as I do. And I’m more than happy to hear your recommendations.
Playlist links:
Rodeo Sunset - Rodeo Sunset / Bandcamp
I first came across the band during the interviews with Sunday,June (link here) and Aria Konishi (link here), with the latter doing a really good job with the recording and mixing this wonderful debut EP.
The duo bring together a lot of elements that make the EP an ideal, laid-back summer album for me - layers of instruments (guitars, bass, organ/synths and drums) which are doing their own thing but work in unison to create a beautiful, dreamy soundscape to leave the lingering guitar solos/motifs and reverb-laden vocals to add even more to the rich sound. With each listen, I always seem to change my favourite track or discover new elements to the songs.
The bad news is that Rodeo Sunset no longer exists and there are no copies left of the record. In any case, the EP is a great legacy to leave behind.
Moonpools - Damaged Goods / Bandcamp
This one was a tricky one as Moonpools have put out a couple of wonderful EPs so far.
Their most recent EP, Hide and Seek, has two very strong singles in Say Anything (definitely a song that I find myself going to automatically when I don’t have the time to hear a full EP or album), and Never Mind. The two live sessions of the songs are also worth checking out on their YouTube channel.
I however have a slight preference for their second EP, Damaged Goods, which I find perfect from start to finish. It’s definitely one of the more upbeat selections on this list mixing shoegaze guitar textures, catchy lyrics (“weak ankles run in my family”) and some great instrumental passages (the introduction to Wish). The band really laid down the foundations to their change in style with the EP.
The band, who have already supported Interpol and the Kooks, recently released their cover of Pure Shores from All Saints and hopefully there’ll be more music soon.
Gans Sauvage - 4-Gans-Menü / Bandcamp
Gans Sauvage is the solo/personal project of Samuel Riedo of Darius, Jean-Michel, Hook, Line and Sinker (amongst other bands).
The debut EP, 4-Gans-Menü (“four goose menu” in English) was the soundtrack of my Easter weekend this year. I have found myself going back to the EP regularly with its wonderful reverb-laden instrumental passages, catchy lyrics and with his sense of humour scattered throughout.
I caught up with Samuel about his project and the interview with him was published in June (link here) and it was fascinating to know more about the background of the project.
The next EP, Guin sauvage, should be appearing soon and I’m looking forward to hearing the next collection of songs.
Zabriskie - All Things Become Light / Bandcamp
If you have been following the blog, you would know how much I am a big fan of the song Changes by Zabriskie. The song would go on to be featured in the Spring 2025 Playlist and its hypnotizing video would also be in the Spring 2025 Music Video Playlist.
The trio’s EP, All Things Become Light, released in March this year did not disappoint and the Zurich band has been able showcase their ability to create their own shoegaze sound. There are a lot of dreamy passages, the guitars as well as the vocals are dripping in reverb creating a complete sound.
Zabriskie announced recently that the EP will be available in a limited edition format (record and CD) with five watercolour lyric sheets where no two boxsets would be the same. A very interesting concept and there are more details on their official website.
no phase - tired / Bandcamp
no phase’s debut EP, tired, didn’t go unnoticed when released in February of last year and with good reason too. Not only do I really enjoy the band’s softer and distorted sides as well as the interplay between the two guitars, but also the overall atmosphere across the four tracks. There is something about the mix of the emotions and the production which makes the EP an intimate listen and leaves me thinking about the songs long after they have finished.
Following the release, the band played shows across Switzerland (as well as a show in Annecy, France) to celebrate its release with further shows in 2025 including the Kombinat Festival and at a bowling alley as part of the One in a Million Festival.
Their latest single, Grounding, was released in June which has been one of my “go to” tracks over the last couple of weeks. I definitely look forward to seeing how the band’s sound will continue to evolve.
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