The Shoegaze Revival Isn’t Just Nostalgia – It’s Rewriting the Rules of Dream Pop
The resurgence of shoegaze isn’t simply a retro trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how artists approach emotional depth and sonic texture in modern music. With Hatchie’s upcoming album, ‘Liquorice,’ slated for release November 7, 2025, via Secretly Canadian, we’re witnessing a prime example of this evolution – a deliberate move away from chasing viral hooks and towards a more immersive, atmospheric sound. This isn’t just about reverb; it’s about reclaiming creative control and prioritizing artistic expression over immediate gratification, a strategy that could redefine the landscape of dream pop for years to come.
From Pop Structures to Sonic Landscapes
Hatchie’s ‘Liquorice’ represents a conscious departure from the more overtly pop-structured ‘Giving the World Away’ (2022). While the previous album flirted with disco and new wave, ‘Liquorice’ dives headfirst into the swirling, textural world of bands like Slowdive, My Bloody Valentine, and, crucially, Cocteau Twins. This isn’t imitation, however. Pilbeam isn’t simply replicating these sounds; she’s refracting them through a distinctly modern lens, creating what critics are calling a “breezy pop reinvention of the shoegaze blueprint.” This approach highlights a growing trend: artists are increasingly willing to sacrifice immediate accessibility for a richer, more nuanced sonic experience.
The Influence of Place and Production
The album’s sonic identity is deeply rooted in its creation. Written between Brisbane and Melbourne and recorded at Jay Som’s home studio in Los Angeles, ‘Liquorice’ embodies a sun-drenched, hazy quality. This geographically diverse process speaks to a broader trend of artists seeking unique recording environments to shape their sound. Home studios, like Jay Som’s, are becoming increasingly important, offering artists greater control and intimacy in the creative process. This contrasts sharply with the often sterile environment of large commercial studios, allowing for a more organic and personal sound.
Dream Pop’s Evolving Palette: Nuance Over Noise
While ‘Liquorice’ draws heavily from shoegaze, it’s not a wholesale adoption. Pilbeam demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the genre’s nuances, blending elements of experimental pop and even Britpop influences into the mix. Tracks like ‘Wonder’ cleverly juxtapose the crushing guitars of My Bloody Valentine with melodic structures reminiscent of 90s British indie. This willingness to experiment, even within a defined sonic framework, is key. It’s a move away from the purely atmospheric and towards a more dynamic and engaging listening experience. The album’s lyrical content, inspired by Richard Linklater’s ‘Before’ trilogy, further enhances this emotional depth, exploring themes of longing, romance, and the bittersweet nature of infatuation.
The Power of Lyrical Integration
A standout feature of ‘Liquorice’ is how seamlessly the lyrics integrate with the music. Pilbeam’s songwriting doesn’t rely on lyrical bombast; instead, it creates a mood and atmosphere that complements the sonic textures. This is a crucial element of the modern dream pop aesthetic. Listeners aren’t necessarily seeking explicit narratives; they’re looking for emotional resonance and a sense of immersion. The closing track, ‘Stuck,’ with its stark realization (“Seems I’m stuck with these pathetic dreams”), provides a powerful counterpoint to the album’s earlier reverie, demonstrating a lyrical maturity that sets it apart.
Beyond ‘Liquorice’: The Future of Dream Pop
Hatchie’s ‘Liquorice’ isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a larger movement within dream pop and related genres. Artists are increasingly prioritizing sonic texture, emotional depth, and artistic control over commercial considerations. This trend is fueled by several factors, including the rise of independent labels, the accessibility of home recording technology, and a growing audience that is actively seeking out more authentic and challenging music. We can expect to see more artists embracing this approach, experimenting with unconventional sounds, and pushing the boundaries of the genre. The influence of bands like Cocteau Twins, once relegated to cult status, is now pervasive, inspiring a new generation of musicians to explore the possibilities of atmospheric soundscapes. This isn’t just a revival; it’s a reimagining.
The question isn’t whether ‘Liquorice’ is Hatchie’s “peak,” but whether it represents a turning point for dream pop itself. It’s a bold statement, a confident assertion of artistic vision, and a compelling argument for the power of sonic immersion. What are your predictions for the future of dream pop? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
