REVIEW

Debut album from Regensburg, Germany–based shoegaze / dream pop band Swirlpool.

Mixed by Mark Gardener of Ride, the album proudly inherits the spirit of classic ’90s shoegaze à la Slowdive, while showing impressive stylistic range. From ethereal dream pop to more stoic, post-punk–leaning moments, the arrangements feel fluid and confident rather than boxed into a single mood.

My personal highlight is #2 “Reimagine,” which carries a sense of post-rock dynamism. The dramatic wall-of-sound finale in the second half is genuinely stirring. Tracks like #3 “Breathing Visions” and #6 “Caught In a Dream” pair decadent, flowing melodies with languid vocals in a way that should also resonate with fans of gothic rock.

As an aside, Regensburg happens to be one of my favorite cities in Germany. When I visited about a decade ago, the cathedral left such a powerful impression that it felt almost like being struck by lightning. That personal attachment probably makes me root for Swirlpool even more—but honestly, the music more than earns the enthusiasm.