Shoegaze/alt rock Dublin band Fulvetta follow up their Songbird EP with new single Lampshade.
Track: Lampshade
Band: Fulvetta
Released: July 18 2023
Artwork for Lampshade
Matching the constant ebb and flow of the instrumentals, lyrics revel around a general sense of confusion and mystery. A song about pushing people away, as far away as possible.
Lampshade is Dublin heavy shoegaze/alternative rock group, Fulvetta’s, latest single following 2022’s Songbird EP. Taking on a slightly heavier and harder-hitting sound, it features layers of vocals from members AJ and Grace, hearkening back to the sounds of shoegaze pioneers such as Slowdive or My Bloody Valentine.
Lampshade is not just a facsimile of classic shoegaze or familiar sounds. As their shimmering, shapeshifting density of sound shifts between genres, the influence of alternative rock acts such as The Smashing Pumpkins, and Deftones is also apparent. And there are poppier elements too particularly in the production of the beautifully judged bridge and outro.
Commenting on Ride's enduring popularity, Andy Bell said "I think that underneath the shoegazing sound, there is a classic rock band structure holding everything together,” says Bell. “If anything gives the music longevity, it’s probably that.”
The guitars are all triple tracked, there's about seven layers of synths and both sets of vocals are double tracked too.
If that's the case then Fulvetta stand every chance of a long musical career. There are layers upon layers of sound - according to the band "The guitars are all triple tracked, there's about seven layers of synths and both sets of vocals (AJ and Grace) are double tracked too. When you've got that much going on, especially at times where there's four vocal tracks at the same time, it creates some intriguing textures."
That is indeed the case but the whole is glued together by a stellar performance on the drumstool by Dylan Quinn. Right from the woozy, phased opening breakbeat, he adds a groove which also underpinned much of MBV's music. Not just loud but danceable too. And the snare sound is perfect.
AJ from the band reveals:
"It harkens back to more classic shoegaze sounds from the likes of Slowdive. I feel that layering, which is essential to the sound, has become slightly pushed to the side in the modern heavy shoegaze scene.
"With influence from the 90s, darker songwriting themes also come hand-in-hand. Matching the constant ebb and flow of the instrumentals, lyrics revel around a general sense of confusion and mystery. A song about pushing people away, as far away as possible. So far away, to protect them, to shield them from the turmoil inside you. But at what point does acceptance come? Acceptance that nothing can be done, acceptance that this is the true you.
Perhaps, this was all just fate."
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