The Shallows - Wave States
“Informed by the expansive, lush, and atmospheric sound drawn from early 4AD, Slowdive, The Cure, and Cranes, the band teeters, with deft personality, between at times ethereal and reflective, at other times subtly dark and restless atmospheres.” – White Light, White Heat review of Verdant
“The Shallows have always been a band at playful odds with their name. The Boston foursome craft a deep and lush and expansive brand of shoegazing dream-pop, the type of roving sound that’s easy to get lost in as it cascades from a mental to emotional experience.” – Vanyaland review of Channels
“Alongside the constant waves of guitar, the vocals of Jess Baggia reach gothic-like proportions. One comparison would be the Crane’s Alison Shaw, and the quality of Baggia’s voice gives the band a distinctive vocal weapon in their shoegaze arsenal.” – Records I Like review of Verdant
“Shoegaze is joined by the elegant Dreampop presence, for a lullaby that in the refrain wakes our minds completely and makes us think that the new day can only be beautiful.”- Music Shock World review of Channels
The Shallows are a shoegaze/dream pop band from Somerville, MA. The band was formed in 2019 and consists of Jess Baggia on vocals and guitar, Brad Emerson on guitar and soundscapes, Ben Didsbury on bass, and Jason Keisch on drums. The Shallows has released one EP and one full-length album. The band plays actively in the greater Boston area and expects to visit other East Coast cities in the coming months. Blending early and current shoegaze with a hint of 80s post-punk and new romantic, The Shallows deliver their lush, atmospheric debut album Wave States on May 12th via Mint 400 records.
Wave States is the culmination of two years of writing and recording after shifting direction and lineup post-pandemic. Now on firm footing, Wave States solidifies the band as they explore their new relationship with Mint 400 Records.
The album’s cinematic sound is defined by lush guitars and haunting vocals. The first track, Soft Night, opens with gently pulsating guitars and a dreamy groove, ultimately building into an enveloping wall of sound. Lyrically the song is an expression of finding courage in a world that no longer makes any sense. Other standout tracks include Channels, an immersive and magnetic song with a soaring chorus (dubbed by some listeners as ‘Prom Gaze’ and the band isn’t arguing), and the final track, Last Song, an uptempo track that encourages the listener to ponder secrets and loss.
The Shallows has been praised by critics for their unique sound and their live performances. Wave States is a must-have for fans of dream pop, shoegaze, and indie rock and bands like Ride, Slowdive, and Beach House. The album is a beautiful and immersive experience that will stay with you long after you listen to it.