The Slowdive Digest

Reflecting on one of my favorite bands of all time.

Slowdive circa 2023

Slowdive has been one of my favorite bands for nearly 30 years now, ever since I heard their 1991 debut, Just for a Day — which I bought on cassette during my freshman year in college. As much as I love their fellow shoegazers (e.g., Ride, Lush, Catherine Wheel, Chapterhouse), Slowdive’s music has always stood head and shoulders above them all, and has been a constant source of inspiration, comfort, and beauty over the decades.

Slowdive’s fifth album, Everything Is Alive, will be released tomorrow via Dead Oceans. To celebrate, I’m highlighting some of Opus’ Slowdive coverage from throughout the years. (If you’re a paid subscriber, then expect some more Slowdive-related goodness in September’s subscriber-only exclusives.)

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Dec 21, 2000: Just for a Day by Slowdive (Review)

My first introduction to Slowdive, and an album that left such an impact on me that I still compare new albums to it today.

Dec 21, 2000: Souvlaki by Slowdive (Review)

Souvlaki is Slowdive’s best collective effort, funneling the atmospherics of their previous efforts into a more cohesive package.

Dec 21, 2000: Pygmalion by Slowdive (Review)

This was Slowdive’s swan song, and a gorgeous one at that.

Dec 23, 2004: Catch the Breeze by Slowdive (Review)

About as perfect a summation of Slowdive’s career as one can find.

Feb 14, 2014: Revisiting Slowdive’s Pygmalion

I was instantly transfixed the moment I heard the opening strains of “Rutti.”

Nov 3, 2014: Concert Review: Slowdive & Low (October 31, 2014, Minneapolis, MN)

All I can think is that I’ve waited two decades for this moment… and it is everything I could’ve hoped for.

Jun 22, 2015: Pitchfork’s Slowdive Documentary Is a Satisfying Look at Shoegazer History

It’s deeply enjoyable, and even a little moving for this fan, to see Slowdive vindicated after all these years.

May 4, 2017: 12 of My Favorite Slowdive Songs

I’ve compiled this list to celebrate the release of Slowdive’s first new album in over two decades.

May 8, 2017: Slowdive’s First Album in 20 Years Is Exactly What I’d Hoped For (Review)

More than just a simple nostalgia trip, the new full-length finds Slowdive building on their celebrated sound.

May 11, 2017: Watch Slowdive on Pitchfork Live (and Listen to a Bonus Track)

Slowdive’s Pitchfork Live performance accentuates the great continuity between their oldest and newest material.

Feb 5, 2018: Watch Slowdive’s Lovely Performance for Seattle’s KEXP

Proof that Slowdive’s lush shoegaze pop holds up perfectly well outside studio walls.

All of my Slowdive-related coverage can be found in the Opus archives.