Blushing Takes Shoegaze to New Heights

by Lezanne J

When I first heard of Austin-based group Blushing, I was a bit blasé about it. With so many new artists coming forward with what they believe to be their unique twist on the ever-popular shoegaze/dream pop genre, it took me a while to get excited about the newbies. But, heck! I was wrong…

I first stumbled across this dreamy band in January this year when they released their second album, Weak. And, unlike the title, this album was strong enough to pull me right in and keep me there forever.

Now, they’re back with two breath-taking ethereal songs in the run-up to their LP release. First up, we have The Truth, a track that starts off fairly mellow but soon builds up into a pleasantly overwhelming wave of layered sounds, pedals, bass, and drums. And at just under 5 minutes long, it’s a track that manages to hold your attention from beginning to end.

Their second offering, the B-side to The Truth, is Sunshine – a slightly more composed, laid-back track which leaves you yearning for a time and place you never even knew you missed. “It’s a sparkly, jangly, soaring little number,” Blushing says about a track.

Blushing consists of two husband-and-wife pairs, all exceptionally talented musicians – vocalists Christina Carmona and Michelle Soto, and hubbies Jake Soto (drums) and Noe Carmona (guitar, keyboard, and vocals). This marital team-up just works so well and it’s as though you can feel the love they all have for each other through their music.

Their sound is truly fresh and far removed from the countless shoegaze groups coming to the fore from across the world. Blushing has managed to take this 80s/90s British indie rock sound and make it modern, without losing that oh-so-yummy vintage sound. And, as with the true origins of this genre, it’s all about the music and nothing else.

Blushing has managed to create something that’s rough like a rusty hacksaw, while also smooth and warm like butter on hot waffles. It’s simply delicious and congeals into this superbly messy but yet perfectly structured sound of something you really can’t quite put into words.

To find out more about Blushing, you can visit their site. And while you’re at it, give them a Like and Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you’re in Austin, make sure you catch the band at various venues across the city this November.

  • 3 November: Cheer Up Charlie’s
  • 12 November: Barracuda
  • 14 November: Hotel Vegas