Albums of the Week: Birdy Embraces 1980s Pop Influences and Soars, Slowdive Preserves the Shoegaze Legacy

With a clear nod to the 1980s, Birdy’s latest album showcases her love for synth-heavy sounds and infectious pop melodies. The opening track, “Paradise Calling,” sets the tone with its grandiose arrangement of synths and beats. And it’s hard to resist the catchy and larger-than-life pop vibes of “I Wish I Was A Shooting Star.”

Throughout the album, Birdy pays homage to the legendary Kate Bush, evident in the songs co-written with talented writer-producers. Birdy’s rendition of “Running Up that Hill” showcased her exceptional talent for covers, while her haunting version of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” initially brought her into the spotlight.

Notably, Birdy shares Kate Bush’s vocal prowess, as heard in her uncanny resemblance to her muse on “Raincatchers,” which echoes the iconic “Cloudbusting.” Additionally, Birdy’s spirited approach to songwriting is reminiscent of Tori Amos, while she still excels in delivering emotional piano ballads that made her a sensation a decade ago. The tender and devastating “Your Arms” showcases her voice at its most vulnerable.

Despite her remarkable talent and songs crafted for mass appeal, Birdy, the great-niece of actor Dirk Bogarde, has yet to achieve widespread recognition. Being a child prodigy, her self-titled debut album was released when she was just 15 years old, sparking high expectations. Nevertheless, her latest album, “Portraits,” with its strength and eclectic style, hints at a potential turning point in her career.

Slowdive, a prominent band in the shoegaze scene, formed in the late 1980s. Their second album, “Souvlaki,” released in 1993, has become a definitive shoegaze masterpiece. After a long hiatus, the English quintet returned in 2017 with a self-titled album that effortlessly captured both nostalgic elements and contemporary sound.

Now, after six years, the band, fronted by co-writers and co-vocalists Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead, presents “Everything Is Alive.” The album seamlessly continues the momentum from their previous work. The intoxicating warmth of “Skin in the Game” exudes from this mesmerizing second single that leaves you wanting more beyond its four-minute duration.

In “The Slab,” there’s a bold and percussive energy, captivating listeners with its atmospheric textures. Goswell and Halstead’s vocals, somewhat indistinct in this track, emerge around 90 seconds into the song.

Shoegaze music still holds a significant influence, as demonstrated by the enduring impact of fellow label mates My Bloody Valentine. “Loveless,” their 1991 masterpiece, was recently voted the best Irish album of all time in a prominent industry poll. Slowdive’s continued success is a cause for celebration, particularly for those who appreciate the genre’s legacy.

This autumn, Slowdive will grace Irish audiences with their first-ever headline shows. They are scheduled to perform in Belfast and Dublin’s National Stadium on November 6.