Leaving Time's Sonic Alchemy: A Refreshing Blend of Alt-Rock and Shoegaze

Leaving Time's latest release is a testament to the band's ability to navigate the shoegaze fabric with a unique blend of heavy and dreamy textures. Their compilation titled “I + II” — born from two earlier EPs — not only distinguishes itself with a sonic canvas that falls between the heavier post-hardcore influences of Superheaven and the swirling landscape of Whirr — but also challenges the prevailing trend of homogeneous shoegaze releases. 

One common critique of contemporary shoegaze records is the tendency for songs to meld together, creating a seamless but sometimes monotonous listening experience. Leaving Time masterfully sidesteps this pitfall with their compilation, where each track serves a role within the grand scheme of the album. Rather than a blur of indistinguishable sounds, the band takes us on a journey where each song has its own unique place and contributes to the overall narrative of the project. To quote their artist bio (found on Sunday Drives Records’ website):

“Taking inspiration from the notable '90s alternative-rock and shoegaze sound, Leaving Time adds much of their own to the sound. Subtle nuances like the whirling guitar leads and hardcore-inspired drums give each song a driving punch, taking the singular "shoegaze" descriptor out of the picture.”

As the band from Jacksonville makes its mark in a scene currently occupied by rising west coast acts, Leaving Time stands as a beacon of innovation, reminding us that captivating shoegaze can emerge from the most unexpected corners of the musical map.