REVIEW

The fourth album from US shoegaze / dream pop band Whirr.

Based in Modesto, California, Whirr returned with their first full-length release in five years, unveiled as a surprise drop on Christmas Day. As with the previous album, the release initially appeared as a Bandcamp exclusive, before becoming available on streaming platforms on January 21, 2025.

Judging from the blue-toned artwork that echoes “Feels Like You,” one might expect a similarly mellow direction. Instead, the album marks a notable return of the glacial chill associated with “Sway.” Guitars that embed crystalline shimmer within dense noise cut sharply through the mix, like winds sweeping across a frozen plain, while soft, whispering vocals move in to gently soothe the resulting wounds. This interplay between abrasion and tenderness forms a melancholic tension that has long defined Whirr’s appeal.

The closing track, #10 “Enjoy Everything,” serves as a particularly striking finale. Against a backdrop that sparkles like diamond dust, a weeping trumpet line emerges, heightening the sense of fragile beauty and emotional release. It is a moment that encapsulates the album’s atmosphere with remarkable clarity.

Taken as a whole, the record maintains an exceptionally high level of consistency, with each track contributing meaningfully to the overall arc. For long-time listeners, it stands as a deeply satisfying return and, for many, an ideal kind of holiday surprise. It is also worth noting that Wisp—who has frequently cited Whirr as a formative influence—celebrated the release enthusiastically on social media, underscoring the band’s continued resonance within the current shoegaze landscape.

Before settling on any year-end rankings, this album merits careful attention. It reaffirms Whirr’s distinctive voice and suggests that their impact remains very much intact.