Dykehouse – Midrange

It really gets me when people say some albums are out of their time even if the album sounds good. So what if the era of shoegazer has already gone? This album is still really beautiful and mesmerizing, no matter when the so-called 'era of shoegazer' was. Crafted melodies and top notch production all the way through. "Sandy Strip" alone is one of the best ambient pieces I've ever heard (and I really wish it was longer than just 51 seconds...)
Overall, I really wish people were more open-minded... Sure this album is a bit poppy lyrics-wise, but it's really beautiful anyway! Have an open mind and listen without prejudice.

Dykehouse is about a decade and a half too late: the great wave of shoegazing pop has long since passed by. But that doesn’t stop him from reliving the glory days: the hazy guitars, the layered vocals, the wobbly, dreamy quality that had many people moping around. “Drown Inside of Me” sets the reverb on high and lets the music swirl around, while “Chain Smoking” revels in its somewhat silly lyrics -- as not to say that the shoegazers didn’t have silly lyrics either. And despite the velvet qualities of tracks like “Lost Holiday” or the gentleness of “Western Lands,” I can’t help but feel that this is music whose time has come and gone, and no amount of beauty will bring it back.

Neither drum'n'bass, IDM, or electro - but it's damn good, and that's what matters here.

"Midrange" sees the always-interesting Mike Dykehouse on a classic shoegaze kick that'll have you busting out those old MBV and Slowdive records.

Interspersed with short and very pretty ambient interludes, Dykehouse seemingly effortlessly creates three-minute pieces of noise-pop bliss. From the orgasmic wall-of-sound guitar rush of "When You Come" to grinding lead single "Chain Smoking" to the sensitive introspection and cinematic grandeur of the lovely "Western Lands," Dykehouse has crafted one of the best and most intriguing releases of the year thus far.