WORDS HARRY K
Pastel
Debut Album
“Souls In Motion”
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Label: Spirit of Spike Island
“Souls In Motion,” the long-awaited debut album by Manchester-based quintet Pastel, marks a significant moment not just for the band, but for fans of the shoegaze and dream-pop revival. After a series of promising singles, the album cements Pastel’s position as a rising force in the UK’s indie music scene. Their ability to blend influences from 90s Manchester sound with the ethereal textures of modern shoegaze is fully realized on this record, establishing them as a group shaping the future of the genre.
The sonic landscape of “Souls In Motion” is rich with dense, layered guitars, drenched in reverb and delay, the hallmark of shoegaze legends such as My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. Yet, Pastel introduces a refreshing energy to the genre, akin to the baggy rhythms and swagger of The Stone Roses and the melancholic psychedelia of The Verve‘s early material. The balance between nostalgia and innovation is finely tuned, allowing the band to evoke a bygone era while feeling thoroughly modern.
What sets Pastel apart from their influences is their knack for crafting accessible, emotionally resonant songs amidst the dreamy haze. While much of shoegaze can sometimes feel impenetrable, Pastel’s songwriting remains sharp, with clear, melodic hooks rising out of the swirling atmospheres.
Fave Tracks
“Your Day”
The lead single, “Your Day” perfectly encapsulates the album’s sound. It begins with shimmering guitar arpeggios and a slow-building intensity, creating a cinematic, almost widescreen sonic vista. The vocals, buried just beneath the surface in classic shoegaze fashion, convey a yearning, almost hypnotic feel. The crescendo of guitars in the latter half transforms the song into an anthem, leaving a lasting impression.
“Dancing On A Pin”
With its driving rhythm section, reminiscent of the early ‘Madchester’ era. The groove is infectious, and the guitars swirl and soar around it, creating a sense of movement and urgency. There’s a dynamic contrast between the verses, which feel intimate and introspective, and the expansive, soaring choruses that burst with energy.
“Souls In Motion” is lush and expansive, with every track feeling meticulously crafted. The guitars, often layered five or six deep, create a dense sound. The production team at Spirit of Spike Island has done a fantastic job in preserving the live energy of Pastel’s performances while ensuring each sonic layer shines through in the recording.
One of the album’s great strengths is its ability to create a sense of atmosphere. Whether it’s the dreamy, floating quality of the more downtempo tracks or the high-energy propulsion of tracks like “Dancing On A Pin,” the band has mastered the art of mood-setting.
“Souls In Motion” is an impressive debut that showcases Pastel’s potential to become major players in the UK indie scene. The album manages to capture the essence of classic shoegaze/Madchester while pushing the boundaries of the genre. It feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, a delicate balance that only a few bands can pull off.
For fans of bands like BJTM, Slowdive, The Verve, Oasis, The Stone Roses and Lush, Pastel offers a fresh take on shoegaze that stays true to the genre’s roots while adding a modern, anthemic twist. With “Souls In Motion,” they have delivered an album that demands repeat listens, revealing new layers with each play. As their reputation continues to grow, Pastel could well become one of the torchbearers of the next wave of British indie music.
8.5/10
Tracklist
‘Souls in Motion’
1/ ‘Heroes Blood’
2/ ‘Your Day’
3/ ‘Dancing On A Pin’
4/ ‘Isaiah’
5/ ‘Running On Empty’
6/ ‘Deeper Than Holy’
7/ ‘Gone Too Fast’
8/ ‘Leave A Light On (A Velvet Storm)’
9/ ‘Sunny Side’
10/ ‘Escape’
FOLLOW PASTEL
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
