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slowdive

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Band Timeline

1989

Formation of Slowdive in Reading, England

Slowdive was formed in October 1989 in Reading, Berkshire, England, by Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell, who had been friends since childhood. The original lineup quickly included Adrian Sell (drums), Nick Chaplin (bass), and Christian Savill (guitar), who joined after responding to an ad despite it calling for a female guitarist. The band's name was inspired by a dream and a conversation referencing a Siouxsie and the Banshees single. The band started creating music and performing locally, laying the foundation for their shoegaze sound.
1989

Formation of Slowdive in Reading, England

Slowdive was formed in October 1989 in Reading, Berkshire, England, by Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell, long-time friends and musicians. They were joined by Adrian Sell on drums, Nick Chaplin on bass, and Christian Savill, who joined as guitarist after answering an ad originally seeking a female musician. The band name was inspired by a dream and a reference to the Siouxsie and the Banshees single. The group quickly began recording demos and performing shows, marking their entry into the burgeoning UK shoegaze scene.
1990

Release of Slowdive's Self-Titled EP

In November 1990, Slowdive released their first self-titled EP, which was actually their original demo. The EP was met with critical acclaim, earning
1990

Release of Slowdive's Self-Titled EP

Slowdive released their debut EP titled 'Slowdive' in November 1990. This release consisted largely of their original demo recordings, which the band favored over later studio attempts. The EP was praised by critics and music publications such as the NME and Melody Maker, the latter awarding it 'Single of the Week'. The positive reception helped establish the band’s early presence in the alternative music scene, setting the stage for subsequent releases and growing their fan base.
1991

Drummer Change and Release of 'Morningrise' and 'Holding Our Breath' EPs

In early 1991, after drummer Neil Carter briefly joined but left, Simon Scott took over drumming duties. Slowdive then released the 'Morningrise' EP in February 1991 followed by the 'Holding Our Breath' EP in June 1991. 'Holding Our Breath' gained notable success, reaching number 52 on the UK Albums Chart and topping the UK Indie Chart. These releases continued to define Slowdive’s atmospheric shoegaze sound and increased their visibility in the indie music scene.
1991

Release of Debut Album 'Just for a Day'

'Just for a Day', Slowdive’s debut studio album, was released in September 1991. Despite receiving generally poor reviews in the UK, partly due to growing criticism of the shoegaze genre, the album achieved moderate success on indie charts. It reached number three on the UK Independent Albums Chart and increased Slowdive’s following, particularly in the United States. This album marked their full-length exploration into lush, textured soundscapes characteristic of shoegaze music.
1993

Release of 'Souvlaki' and Further EPs

Under pressure from their label Creation Records to create a more commercially successful album, Slowdive recorded 'Souvlaki', releasing it in June 1993. They collaborated with Brian Eno during production which added depth to their sound. Although 'Souvlaki' and its preceding EP 'Outside Your Room' saw mixed critical reception initially, both achieved placements on UK and indie charts. However, after a supporting tour for their November 1993 EP '5', drummer Simon Scott left due to creative differences, marking a turning point in the band's lineup stability.
1995

Release of Third Album 'Pygmalion' and Band's Breakup

Slowdive released their third studio album 'Pygmalion' in February 1995, with Neil Halstead predominantly guiding its experimental and minimalist sound. The album saw limited contributions from other members and featured newcomer Ian McCutcheon on drums. 'Pygmalion' was better received critically than some earlier releases but was commercially underwhelming, peaking at number 108 on the UK Albums Chart. Soon after, Creation Records dropped the band and Slowdive disbanded. Halstead, Goswell, and McCutcheon went on to form Mojave 3, exploring folk and country styles.
2014

Reunion and Return to Live Performance

After nearly two decades apart, Slowdive reunited in 2014 to perform at the Primavera Sound festival, re-engaging their fanbase and the wider music community. The reunion fixed previous lineup rifts and sparked renewed interest in their earlier work, as well as the shoegaze genre overall. This period marked a transformative time for the band, transitioning from their legacy status to active contributors in contemporary music.
2017

Release of Self-Titled Album 'Slowdive' After 22 Years

In 2017, Slowdive released their first new studio album in 22 years, titled 'Slowdive'. The album was met with critical acclaim and appreciated by both new and longtime fans for maintaining the band’s signature ethereal shoegaze sound while integrating subtle modern production. This release marked a successful comeback and reinforced Slowdive's influence and relevance in the alternative and indie music scenes.
2023

Fifth Studio Album 'Everything Is Alive' Achieves Commercial Success

Slowdive released their fifth studio album 'Everything Is Alive' in 2023, reaching new commercial heights for the band. This album became their first to break into the top ten album charts in multiple countries including Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The record showcased their continued evolution and resonance in the international music landscape, further securing their legacy as shoegaze pioneers and influential figures in alternative rock.

Albums

slowdive_1st_album
Just for a Day
9 tracks
1991
slowdive_2nd_album
Souvlaki
10 tracks
1993
slowdive_3rd_album
Pygmalion
9 tracks
1995
slowdive_4th_album
Slowdive
9 tracks
2017
slowdive_5th_album
everything is alive
8 tracks
2023
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Story of slowdive

Slowdive, the lowercase-loving English shoegaze pioneers, emerged from Reading, Berkshire in 1989. The original lineup—Rachel Goswell (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Neil Halstead (vocals, guitars), Christian Savill (guitars), Nick Chaplin (bass), and Simon Scott (drums, guitars, electronics)—laid the groundwork for the band's iconic sound, all contributing to their early recordings. Halstead served as the primary songwriter.

After a string of EPs, their 1991 debut Just for a Day and its 1993 follow-up, Souvlaki, cemented Slowdive's status as leading lights in the burgeoning UK shoegaze scene. However, internal tensions led to the departure of Scott, Savill, and Chaplin, resulting in the band's dissolution following their 1995 album, Pygmalion. Goswell and Halstead continued making music as Mojave 3, pursuing a more folk and country-influenced direction.

Slowdive's highly anticipated reunion in 2014 at Primavera Sound festival ignited a resurgence. Their self-titled album in 2017 marked a triumphant return after a 22-year hiatus. The band's continued success culminated in 2023 with the release of Everything Is Alive, their fifth studio album and their first to reach the top ten in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, a significant milestone in their already legendary career.

1989-1991: Formation and Early EPs

Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell, friends since the age of six, formed Slowdive in Reading, England, in October 1989. Both contributed vocals and guitar to their early work.

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