It finally happened. My Bloody Valentine released a followup album to their seminal album Loveless last night after over 20 years of speculation. You can buy the 46 minute album m b v at mybloodyvalentine.org if the server is up in digital, CD and vinyl formats.
A lot of people can’t quite believe their ears. For those who weren’t teenagers or familiar with them the first time around, you’ll rightly be wondering what the fuss is about. I was too young for shoegaze the first time around and it never did it for me when I heard it, but swathes of pent-up ambient noise was. MBV’s music was always crushing in its impact and heady in its melodic overtones, a languid sharp energy rush.
Listening to this new album m b v now is like experiencing something taken out of context and beamed from that late ’80s/early ’90s aesthetic. It’s too early to say what this album is or isn’t but one thing that has remained steadfast was that My Bloody Valentine make beautiful abstract dynamic noise and this surprising new album is no different.
Listen to m b v
Tracklisting
1. she found now
2. only tomorrow
3. who sees you
4. is this and yes
5. if i am
6. new you
7. in another way
8. nothing is
9. wonder 2
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
Way to early to say, but I got to say I love it so far. I don’t really get the “it sounds so 1991” off it at all. I always though that mbv were kind of timeless in their aesthetic. Although I did listen to isn’t anything and loveless like 5 times each last week.
It’s ok, but not great… and I liked Loveless…