Cigarettes for Breakfast
is a Philadelphia-based band known for their lush soundscapes and raw, emotive, fuzzed-out performances, capturing the essence of shoegaze and dream pop greats, such as My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. The bedroom project of Matt Whiteford, along with an ever-changing cast of members and collaborators, has taken the hearts of listeners, making waves out of the DIY music scene and onto the stage with renowned acts like Slow Crush, The Asteroid No. 4, and Day Aches, among others. After releasing several EPs and singles, Cigarettes for Breakfast’s debut LP, Join the Circus (2023), demonstrates the band’s ability to take the listener on a journey, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. “Destined to become a staple for the shoegaze genre.” - Carlos Vélez-Cancel, Everything is Noise.
The band is currently working on their second full-length album, Slow Motion, which is set to be released in February of 2025.
Phantom Wave
Phantom Wave lives in the difference between propulsive drive and radiant fluidity. A Brooklyn-based shoegaze band, Phantom wave creates a sound that is familiar yet startlingly unique. Blending nostalgic fuzz with percussive clarity and multilayered textures, Phantom Wave utilizes dynamic energies and depth to culminate in a sound that pushes the boundaries of the genre.
IG:
@phantomwaveband
Hesitant
is the solo band of Brooklyn based musician Brandon Reese. Initially formed in 2020 as a recording project during the pandemic lockdown, Hesitant has gone on to release 3 EPs, most recently 2023’s ‘Seasons of Grief’. The album was inspired by the passing of Brandon’s close friend and long-time musical partner in 2021 and is a cathartic expression of the messy emotions that come from the loss of a once vibrant presence in one’s life.
Following the release of ‘Seasons of Grief’, Brandon assembled a live band of close friends to bring Hesitant’s music to the stage. The band has brought their grunge-laden take on shoegaze to notable venues around New York City, such as Bowery Electric, Gold Sounds, and Trans-Pecos with even more to follow throughout 2024.
Percocet
is a good Brooklyn-based shoegaze band that you should definitely get into.