dream-pop
These are the best dream-pop artists featured on Release Wave.
High
Around the tucked-away town of Boonton, NJ in 2021, Christian Castan (vocals/ guitar), Bridget Bakie (bass/vocals), Jack Miller (drums), and Danny Zavala (guitar) formed High, a band that combines elements of shoegaze, grunge, emo and dream pop. Creative nucleus Christian Castan and Bridget Bakie met while playing the DIY and college circuit around New Jersey building Bakie’s reputation as “The Queen of The Quarter Note,” and Castan’s profile as an unforgettable guitarist. After playing in a band together, the two longed for a project that would be their sole creative focus and could tour as far and wide as possible. A few weeks and two practices after their formation, the band began playing shows around the tristate DIY circuit after their proper NYC debut at Saint Vitus. The band is gearing up to release their sophomore EP "Come Back Down" in January of 2025 which will include their debut EP Bomber on the B-side.
Horse Jumper of Love
Muted Color
Muted Color is a Chicago-based band known for their shoegaze-inspired music.
With dreamy melodies and ethereal vocals, they appeal to fans of bands like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine.
Regionals
Regionals, are an alternative rock band based in Sydney, Australia. The band has released two EPs and will release their debut album "Spoonbender" after a four year period of experimentation and development. The album showcases a more extreme and experimental sound blending emo, dream pop, and post-hardcore elements. Adding in the light & shade of lush, atmospheric textures and jangly guitars with the abrasive attack of heavy guitars and vocal screams, Regionals have reshaped their sound to something more expansive and exciting.
Outlander
Entropy
Entropy, a German alternative rock band, taps into 90s-inspired melodic grunge and post-hardcore with a touch of shoegaze and emotionally charged indie rock in their music with infectious pop hooks. Influenced by bands such as Sugar, Quicksand, and Swervedriver, their debut LP "Liminal" and subsequent EP "Death Spells" have garnered attention. Fans can anticipate the release of their upcoming sophomore LP "Dharmakāya" in August 2024 which is sure to take their sound to the next level.
Cold Gawd
Cold Gawd is a post-hardcore/shoegaze outfit from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Inspired by early aughts nu-gaze and R&B melodies, Cold Gawd presents a refined, modernized take on the genre.