When the Sun Hits: The High-Volume History of Shoegaze

An analytical history of the shoegaze genre from its roots in late '80s UK rock to its surprising resurgence amongst Gen Z musicians and infiltration of the mainstream. What began as a noisy off-shoot of alternative rock has grown into a globally celebrated style of music with a self-sustaining underground ecosystem and one of the most fiercely dedicated fanbases of any rock sub-genre. This unique breed of music, historically characterized by introverted artists staring down at a mess of guitar pedals by their feet, is more popular than ever. Tentpole shoegaze albums by My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive are among the most critically acclaimed rock records of all time, and classic shoegaze bands are experiencing career-best record sales.