2024’s First Shoegaze Gem: “Swell” by Animal Ghosts

From the northwest United States comes the intentionally obscure and at times cryptic one-piece shoegaze outfit, Animal Ghosts - and his newest album “Swell.” Solely available on Bandcamp, “Swell” garners an air of exclusivity around it, allowing the 40-something minute journey to be so much more powerful. All 10 tracks are noisy, grainy, ethereal, and scratch that elusive itch you just can’t quite reach. Notably, each track (with the exception of the final track “Blur”) spans at least 3 minutes long, reflecting that he has SO much to say.

Blending the primal energy of early noisy shoegaze with the alluring intoxication of Candy Claws like shoegaze, “Swell” creates a seamless impression that I can only describe as truly euphoric. The whole album is simply escapism personified….it’s not just music; it’s a way out.

Follow PLAYDATE. on Instagram for more music recommendations like this.