Denver project Sidewave pairs heavy, layered guitars with soaring melody, shoegaze atmosphere and widescreen space-rock dynamics. Led by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Phil Golyshko, the project returns with third album Dispel on October 23, 2026. RIYL: Failure, Hum, Swervedriver, Shiner, Nothing, Trauma Ray, Glare, early Smashing Pumpkins
Sidewave will release third album Dispel on October 23, 2026. The long-running project of Phil Golyshko returns seven years after Ultraviolet with a record built around heavy layered guitars, soaring melody and the wide-screen space-rock/shoegaze sound that has long connected the band to Hum, Failure, Swervedriver, Shiner and Siamese Dream-era Smashing Pumpkins.
First single “Big Whisper” sets that tone with fuzz-heavy guitars, shifting drums and an airy, melancholy pull. Sidewave’s classic ’90s influences remain clear, while the density and texture should also connect with listeners of newer heavy-shoegaze bands like Nothing, Downward and Trauma Ray.
Dispel was written over several years beginning in 2020. Golyshko handles guitar, vocals and synths, with Brandon Dickert on drums and Matt Russell on bass; Mario Quintero (Spotlights) mixed the album and Dereck Blackburn mastered it. Stream “Big Whisper” below.
