Is Slowdive Releasing a New Album? Everything is Alive (Album) and More
by Rubaditsha
Updated Aug 31, 2023
Is Slowdive Releasing a New Album?
Shoegaze trailblazers Slowdive are set to release their first album in six years, titled "everything is alive," via Dead Oceans this September. The debut single from the album, titled 'kisses,' has already been unveiled. Following their acclaimed 2017 self-titled release, which marked their return after a 22-year hiatus, Slowdive's forthcoming album carries deep emotional significance.
Dedicated to vocalist and guitarist Rachel Goswell's mother and drummer Simon Scott's father, both of whom passed away in 2020, the new record was envisioned by frontman Neil Halstead to feature a "more minimal electronic" sound. Goswell noted that the band experienced profound personal shifts during this period.
The creative process for "everything is alive" began in Autumn 2020, with the band recording across studios in Oxfordshire, Lincolnshire, and Halstead's private studio in Cornwall. Halstead emphasized the collaborative nature of the band's music-making, stating that their strongest material emerges when they all find common ground despite their individual creative directions.
He explained that Slowdive's essence is rooted in the synergy of its members. Goswell echoed this sentiment, expressing that an intangible magic occurs when the quintet comes together. This exciting news precedes Slowdive's inaugural appearance at Glastonbury, where they are scheduled to grace the Woodsies Stage on June 25th.
In addition to this, the band has unveiled an extensive tour spanning North America, the UK, and Ireland for the upcoming Autumn season. Fans can anticipate the release of "everything is alive" on Friday, September 1st, 2023. With their rich history and penchant for blending dream-pop and shoegaze elements, Slowdive's return promises a captivating addition to their discography that pays homage to their departed loved ones while pushing the boundaries of their sonic explorations.
Everything is Alive (Album)
English rock band Slowdive's fifth studio album, "Everything Is Alive," is slated for release on September 1, 2023, via Dead Oceans. The album has garnered positive feedback from critics. With a Metacritic score of 80 out of 100 based on five reviews, the album is seen as having received a "generally favorable" reception.
Uncut magazine hailed it as "the Slowdive you've been waiting for," while Mojo compared its evocative quality to the atmosphere of The Cure's "Faith" era, praising Slowdive for maintaining their impressive musical form. The Skinny's Lewis Wade noted that while the album retains Slowdive's shoegaze essence, it makes subtle adjustments to the formula, resulting in another captivating release.
The Quietus' Irina Shtreis observed that the album, though seemingly minimalist at first, offers a transparent and immediate quality, with flavors that reveal themselves over time. Dana Poland of Slant Magazine praised the album's evolution of Slowdive's signature sound, incorporating electronic textures and creating a vibrant sonic landscape.
Everything is Alive (Album): Track Listing
No.
Title
Length
1
"Shanty"
5:47
2
"Prayer Remembered"
4:46
3
"Alife"
4:33
4
"Andalucia Plays"
6:41
5
"Kisses"
3:57
6
"Skin in the Game"
3:52
7
"Chained to a Cloud"
6:51
8
"The Slab"
5:10
Slowdive Band
Emerging from Reading, Berkshire in 1989, Slowdive is a revered British rock band consisting of Rachel Goswell (vocals, guitar), Neil Halstead (vocals, guitar), Christian Savill (guitar), Nick Chaplin (bass guitar), and Simon Scott (drums). All five members contributed to the band's debut studio album, "Just for a Day" (1991), with Halstead standing out as the primary songwriter.
Situated prominently within the shoegaze movement, which gained traction in early 1990s England, Slowdive gained recognition as one of its leading figures. Despite mixed initial reception, their second studio release, "Souvlaki" (1993), has since been celebrated as a standout album of the 1990s and a seminal work within the shoegaze genre.
Following the launch of their third studio album, "Pygmalion," in 1995, the band experienced disbandment, precipitated by the departures of Scott, Savill, and Chaplin. In the aftermath, the remaining members embraced a more folk and country-influenced direction with the inception of Mojave 3.
Resurfacing in 2014 for a performance at the Primavera Sound festival, Slowdive signaled their return. This resurgence culminated in the release of a self-titled studio album in 2017, marking their first record in over two decades. Now, their musical journey continues with the impending arrival of their fifth studio album, "Everything Is Alive," scheduled for release on September 1, 2023.
As Slowdive persists in creating evocative music that traverses sonic boundaries, their enduring presence in the realm of rock stands as a testament to their indelible mark on the genre and their unwavering commitment to musical innovation.
Slowdive Band Members
Member
Instruments
Years Active
Neil Halstead
Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards
1989–1995, 2014–present
Rachel Goswell
Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Tambourine
1989–1995, 2014–present
Nick Chaplin
Bass
1989–1995, 2014–present
Christian Savill
Guitar
1989–1995, 2014–present
Simon Scott
Drums (1991–1994), Guitar, Electronics
1991–1994, 2014–present
Slowdive: Discography
Album
Year
Just for a Day
1991
Souvlaki
1993
Pygmalion
1995
Slowdive
2017
Everything Is Alive
2023
Is Slowdive Releasing a New Album:FAQs
The members of Slowdive include Neil Halstead (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rachel Goswell (vocals, guitar, keyboards, tambourine), Nick Chaplin (bass), Christian Savill (guitar), and Simon Scott (drums, guitar, electronics).
Slowdive's studio albums are "Just for a Day" (1991), "Souvlaki" (1993), "Pygmalion" (1995), "Slowdive" (2017), and "Everything Is Alive" (2023).
"Everything Is Alive" is Slowdive's upcoming fifth studio album, set to be released on September 1, 2023. It follows their 2017 self-titled album and holds promise as a significant addition to their discography.
Slowdive is renowned for being a prominent British rock band within the shoegaze scene, which gained prominence in the early 1990s. Their album "Souvlaki" is considered a seminal work in the shoegaze genre.
Yes, Slowdive disbanded after the release of their third studio album "Pygmalion" in 1995. This marked the departure of some members. The remaining members continued with a different musical direction as Mojave 3.