REVIEW

Debut EP from San Diego–based shoegaze band bloomcells.

The quartet—Rory (Vo/Gt), Danny (Vo/Gt), Brett (Ba), and Reggie (Dr)—cite a wide-ranging set of influences, from heavyweights like Deftones, Tool, Alice in Chains, and System of a Down to shoegaze and dream pop staples such as My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. The result is a sound that appears to merge weight and beauty with ease, placing them squarely within what is often described as the current wave of “nu-gaze.”

What makes the band particularly intriguing, however, is the contrast between the wall of distorted guitars and the sweet, floating vocals drifting above it. In those moments, subtle traces of gothic sensibilities—reminiscent of acts like Type O Negative or HIM—seem to surface, adding another layer of depth to the mix.

The real talking point arrives at track #4. After an intro built on a brooding guitar riff, a strangely familiar line emerges—“And you don’t seem to understand…”—revealing itself as an unexpected cover of “Duvet,” the opening theme from the cult 1998 sci-fi anime serial experiments lain. Originally performed by bôa as a delicate and stylish piece, the song is transformed here into a crushing heavy shoegaze anthem, with its inherent melancholy amplified severalfold.

The middle section deserves special mention: the band reins in the heaviness to recreate the song’s most fragile passage, led by shimmering arpeggios and keyboards. This careful restraint suggests a clear sense of respect for the original. While the decision to wrap up the final chorus after a single pass—following the iconic “AHHH” vocal line—may feel understated, it ultimately reinforces the song’s sense of loneliness, making the arrangement feel quietly effective rather than abrupt.

Among the many versions of “Duvet” that have circulated over the years, this stands out as one of the most compelling reinterpretations. For listeners in the mood to indulge in a bit of casual melancholy, it is an easy recommendation.

Overall, the songwriting quality across the EP is strong, though the production leaves some room for improvement. The relatively low overall volume can feel underpowered, even at higher listening levels. That said, the issue appears to have been addressed on the more recent single “Decoyed,” released in September, which suggests noticeable progress on the production front. With that in mind, this debut earns its place as a promising newcomer release, hinting at even greater potential in what comes next.