SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VARIOUS ARTISTS – ASPIRIN AGE VOLUME FOUR (A SHOEGAZE COMPILATION)

VARIOUS ARTISTS
ASPIRIN AGE VOLUME FOUR (A SHOEGAZE COMPILATION)
BROKEN SOUND TAPES

Broken Sound Tapes, continuing with cassette week, releases a unique compilation of 19 shoegaze fuzzy tunes to jam straight into your boombox. If you aren’t sure what that means, never fear—it’s also available in digital, with a death-defying 48 tracks. That’s right, strap in, team, because as the name dictates, this album is aspirin… slow release, dope.

This compilation is aimed at a specific crowd, shoegaze enthusiasts, and I would suggest that it doesn’t deviate too far from this track. Shoegaze certainly isn’t for everyone, and 48 tracks may feel like overkill. Still, there are some standalone treasures sprinkled throughout… some freakin’ remarkable instrumentals that will make your little black heart beat once again, specifically “Reflection Pool” (Air Spinning) and “All That Remained” (Cathedral Bells ft. Porch Kiss); these two tracks struck me at my core so completely transfixed in their trajectory and an emotional one at that.

Cling Ring and Cigarettes For Breakfast bring a bit more oomph to the compilation, with DKANDLE’s “Kinda Hard To Find” offering a complete vibe,

The Artic Flow’s “The Pink Beds” is similar—a golden thread weaved through a thick fog, with individually unique pieces surmised as mystical earworms. Masscult’s “Sin For Sale” stands out and might be the soundtrack to your next celestial journey. I find this whole compilation intoxicating, like an LSD trip.

With its ethereal vibe, shoegaze makes the most grounded person feel like floating on a cloud, like a musical daydream. The digital version of this album is like a treasure trove of auditory delights, perfect for those moments when you want to escape reality and let your feet lead you on a dance through the cosmos. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to feel deliciously ethereal while staring at their shoes? So, if you’re ready to add more ‘shoe’ to your ‘gaze, ‘ remember to return to Earth eventually!

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