In the vibrant tapestry of the American music scene, cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia have long been celebrated as bastions of the resurgent shoegaze genre. However, the Windy City, with its rich history of contributing innovative acts to this musical movement, is increasingly being recognized as a significant player. Among the standout Chicago contributions are bands such as Airiel and astrobrite, known for their unpretentious and feedback-drenched rock sound interspersed with haunting ambient passages.
This legacy is being carried forward by Reid and Kira Isbell, the siblings behind the project Twin Coast. Their latest offering, an EP titled Noie! Noie! Noie!, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of shoegaze's blend of abrasive feedback and melodic sensibility. Drawing inspiration from seminal works like Psychocandy and paying homage to the genre's cult favorites, including the intense soundscapes of A Place to Bury Strangers, Twin Coast's work is a crafted homage to the shoegaze ethos.
Remarkably, the Isbell siblings have taken a hands-on approach to their music, overseeing every aspect of the EP's creation—from its inception to its production. This DIY ethic, often proclaimed but not always practiced in the music world, is authentically embodied in their work. As Noie! Noie! Noie! is poised for release, it promises to offer a glimpse into the potential future directions of Chicago's shoegaze scene, a movement that the Isbells are not just part of but are actively shaping. Their involvement in the Static Revival festival is a clear indication of their commitment to nurturing the underground music culture and its youthful adherents.
With the EP's launch imminent, the band has taken the unusual step of allowing early access to the entire project. The Isbells describe their latest work as both "an endless horizon" and "a movement," inviting listeners to immerse themselves in their sonic journey.
https://twincoast.bandcamp.com/album/noie-noie-noie-3