Sonic Ocean

Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde (2007). The relationship between heavy metal and the so-called "shoegazer" movement of the early '90s might not be apparent in writing, but with Justin Broaderick's amazing transmutation of his grinding industrial metal in Napalm Death and Godflesh into the dark, sonic bliss of his current incarnation as Jesu, it doesn't seem so far-fetched anymore. Immediately upon first listen the connection between one-man band Neige's French "black metal" roots and his current neo-psychedelic explorations under the Alcest moniker doesn't seem so far-fetched, natural even. Playing all the instruments on Alcest's debut full-length Souvenirs d'Un Autre Monde, Neige builds layers upon layers of ecstatically distorted guitars that evoke obvious comparisons to My Bloody Valentine's sonic extravaganzas and less obvious nods to the brooding minor-key post-metal of Jesu, only perhaps a bit sunnier…

This 5xCD box set from Cherry Red offers a compelling look at shoegaze's prime era. Still in a Dream takes a wide trawl approach to its genre, which has upsides and downsides. As with Rhino’s goth box A Life Less Lived, shoegaze is generously interpreted to include antecedents and formative influences, which bulks up the quality.

Machines Dream is a Canadian atmospheric progressive rock band from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The group was founded in 2008 by Craig West, Brian Holmes and Ken Coulter. The band was formed after a series of "just for fun" rehearsal sessions succeeded in creating a large catalogue of original music. Machines Dream blends 70s Progressive Rock elements with modern atmospheric themes dashed with heavy symphonic crescendos. The band's membership consists of Craig West (Guitar/Vocals/Bass), Brian Holmes (Keyboards/Bass), Ken Coulter (Drums), Rob Coleman (Lead Guitar) and Jake Rendell (Bass/Backing Vocals). Currently the band has released two full-length albums and one digital EP. The group are defined by their accessible progressive rock sound, and recognition through the Internet…