Shoegaze
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Shoegaze is a subgenre of indie and alternative rock characterised by ethereal soundscapes, obscured vocals, and extensive use of guitar effects and distortion. Rooted in Phil Spector's Wall of Sound,
Guitarist performing with an array of effects units
Often classified as dream pop, Scottish band Cocteau Twins paved the way for the shoegaze genre.
In 1990, Ride emerged as shoegaze's most prominent act.
Slowdive performing live in 1992.
Cocteau Twins
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Cocteau Twins were a Scottish rock band active from 1979 to 1997. They were formed in Grangemouth on the Firth of Forth by Robin Guthrie and Will Heggie, adding Elizabeth Fraser in 1981. In 1983, Hegg
Shoegaze
…psychedelic pop of the 1960s, the genre originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s mainly among British acts who based their sound on groups such as Cocteau Twins, the Jesus and Mary Chain, and My Bloody Valentine. "Shoegazing" was coined in 1991 by music executive Andy Ross when describing Moose and first used…
Cocteau Twins in 1985, from left to right: Simon Raymonde, Elizabeth Fraser, and Robin Guthrie
Lead singer Elizabeth Fraser performing live in 2006
Guitarist Robin Guthrie performing in 2008