REVIEW

The debut album from Jacksonville, Florida-based shoegaze band Leaving Time.

Leaving Time was formed in 2020 by Reed Cothren (Gt/Vo), Joel Cedeno (Gt), Nick Dilts (Ba), and Jarod Whalen (Dr), all of whom previously played in hardcore-oriented bands such as True Form and Method of Doubt. While the band may appear to be a new presence, the combined experience of its members spans well over a decade, lending a seasoned edge to their sound.

After releasing two EPs and a split with All Under Heaven and Glare—each drawing growing attention within shoegaze circles—this long-awaited debut full-length marks a significant milestone. The album’s defining characteristic lies in its fusion of hardcore-rooted heaviness with melancholic, inward-looking melodies. Tracks like #3 “Only Forever” and #4 “Wish” exemplify this balance, with lead guitars and vocals dissolving into one another in a wash of bittersweet emotion.

The record also demonstrates notable range. #6 “Angel In The Sand” rides on a bouncing rhythm that feels primed for movement, while #7 “Burn” scorches with aggressively chiseled guitar riffs. Closing highlight #10 “And On” pushes forward with urgency, channeling pain into a sense of resolve and momentum. Together, these variations allow the album to appeal equally to listeners seeking reflective immersion and those drawn to more physical, high-impact intensity.

Despite its weight, the album remains consistently melodic and approachable, making it a strong entry point for listeners new to heavy shoegaze. With this release, Leaving Time establish themselves not only as a band shaped by hardcore discipline, but as one capable of translating that energy into expansive, emotionally resonant shoegaze.

Following the album’s release, the band have also announced a Japan tour, invited by longtime allies Hollow Suns after sharing an East Coast U.S. run—further signaling the widening reach of Leaving Time beyond their local scene.