Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell’s voice pierced like a dagger through the Brooklyn Paramount theater during the band’s two-day return to New York City on November 18 and 19. The band opened with “Avayln” from their debut EP “Just for a Day” showcasing how timeless their sound is for modern crowd. Neil Halstead ,Christian Saville and Nick Chaplin’s mastery of layering textures added a luscious soundscape to the orate concert hall.

Hibi, 26, said that the energy she felt while watching Slowdive perform at the Paramount theater moved her to tears. “I watched them last year at Webster Hall but the venue was different,” she said. “[This time] it was so triggering, and I cried a lot. This show was very touching and moving for me.”

Much of the band’s current resurgence can be linked to the social media algorithm gods gifting “When the Sun Hits” off the wildly popular “Souvlaki” to a new generation of listeners. Other singles such as “Sugar for the Pill” off their more current self-titled album have also been racking in streams and new listeners. And on Monday and Tuesday night in Brooklyn, the long line that curled around the block show a newly devoted fanbase eager to hear this legendary band.

“We need to respect them,” said 20-year-old Willa Bulahan. “They are the mothers of shoegaze, honestly… Their most recent albums don’t get enough listens, but I think they deserve more. I pray to their alter.”

The success of Slowdive seems to be in their grasp of quiet moments – something the newer class of shoegaze seem to miss. When other bands are eager to fill the air with heavy reverb, this band shows more restraint in their melodies. It is in the ebb of flow where the storytelling takes place – where Rachel or Neil’s vocals capture a hard-to-place feelings of nostalgia.

27-year-old Elisha believes that the newer class of shoegaze known as ‘new gaze’ leans more heavily into digital electronic sounds. “I think it’s great because how are they going to evolve otherwise?” Elisha believes that traditional shoegaze bands like Slowdive incorporate both a dream pop sensibility mixed with an edginess that made them appealing.

“I also think sometimes it’s hard for new shoegaze bands to hold their grip because they don’t have as much melody. And I think, obviously, Slowdive is a very melodic-driven band,” Elisha said.

Slowdive’s performances transfixed everyone in that venue. Each member played to their maximum potential – in harmony with one another while also being able to play off each member’s strengths. In the past three decades, this band has only gotten better at nailing what makes shoegaze unique.

For 23-year-old Emily, Slowdive’s music brings a deeper meaning. She explains how she and her closest friends have a special notebook that they write their deepest secrets and emotions together. Sometimes a friend will write lyrics. One of the most meaningful entries was when her close friend wrote the lyrics to ‘Dagger’ — ‘I didn’t really lose you. I just lost it for a while.’

“And so when the song came on last night, I started sobbing. I tore out a piece of that paper and I put it in this lock that I wear. So this night was specifically special to me.” At whatever age, bands that can speak to the hearts of their audience will be able to capture their imagination and bring people together.

Slowdive Setlist

Avalyn
Shanty
Star Roving
Catch the breeze
No longer making time
Crazy for love
Souvlaki…
Chained
Sugar for the pill
Kisses
Alison
When the sun hits
Golden hair
Alife
Dagger
Machine gun
Second night:
Avalyn
Shanty
Catch the breeze
Slomo
Crazy for love
Souvlaki…
Chained
Sugar for the pill
Kisses
Alison
When the sun hits
40 days
Alife
Prayer remembered

Words and photos by Lala May

Review: Slowdive live in Brooklyn NY November 18th and 19th show at the Paramount with words and photos by Lala May

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