Slowdive treats fans with ‘Skin in the Game’ single release and launches official Discord during international tour.
In a stunning display of their evolving sound, iconic shoegaze band Slowdive has released their latest single, ‘Skin in the Game,’ from their highly anticipated album, ‘everything is alive.’
Set to be released on Friday, September 1st via Dead Oceans, the album promises to push the boundaries of Slowdive’s immersive and elemental sonic landscape.
Following the success of their lead single, ‘Kisses,’ ‘Skin in the Game’ further explores the band’s signature smudged and forlorn aesthetic, with Neil Halstead’s ethereal vocals effortlessly emerging from the sonic haze.
The lyrics paint a picture of longing and unspoken words, as Halstead sings, “I won’t know and you won’t say it now, ’cause you don’t say and I will never ask.” Produced by Halstead himself, ‘everything is alive’ delves deep into Slowdive’s musical identity, capturing the essence of their intricate and emotive compositions.
As the band embarks on the Australian and New Zealand legs of their international tour, fans have eagerly embraced their return. With the majority of shows already sold out, it’s clear that Slowdive’s unique blend of dreamy melodies and atmospheric textures continues to captivate audiences around the world.
The tour serves as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the unwavering support of their devoted fanbase.
While ‘everything is alive’ showcases Slowdive’s familiar internal language, it also celebrates the excitement of new beginnings. Initially conceived by Halstead as a “more minimal electronic record,” the band eventually gravitated back to their signature reverb-drenched guitars.
However, traces of that initial concept are still present in the final compositions. Halstead reflects on the creative process, stating, “As a band, when we’re all happy with it, that tends to be the stronger material. We’ve always come from slightly different directions, and the best bits are where we all meet in the middle.”
The album itself is a testament to the band’s ability to create multidimensional soundscapes. ‘everything is alive’ seamlessly blends psychedelic influences, pulsating 80s electronic elements, and the experimental spirit of John Cale. The album holds a profound personal significance as well, as it is dedicated to Rachel Goswell’s mother and Simon Scott’s father, both of whom passed away in 2020.
Exploring the shimmering nature of life and the universal touch points within it, Slowdive beautifully weaves together themes of loss, experience, and gratitude.
In addition to their musical endeavors, Slowdive has embraced the digital realm by launching their official Discord channel. The band’s partnership with the platform marks the first official shoegaze Discord. To kick things off, Slowdive treated their fans to an exclusive preview of ‘Skin in the Game’ accompanied by a mesmerizing visualizer.
The Discord community promises to be a space where fans can connect, discuss the band’s music, and immerse themselves in the ethereal world of Slowdive.
With their forthcoming album and international tour, Slowdive continues to push the boundaries of their genre, captivating listeners with their evocative soundscapes. ‘everything is alive’ serves as a testament to the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their unique sonic identity.
As they embark on this new chapter, Slowdive remains an influential force in the world of shoegaze, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the release of their highly anticipated album.
