Lash is the debut EP by California dreamy rock band starbelliedbug, a five-track release that uses lush, bending guitar rhythms and ethereal vocals to explore the idea of giving in to the unknown. It touches on themes of confusion, ill-fated romance, isolation, and friendship breakups, combining hazy soundscapes with an intimate, emotionally charged approach to songwriting.
Having previously reviewed their single “crayola car”, I must say I was genuinely excited when I heard about the mini album, and as always, they never disappoint. Built upon the dreamy, immersive sound that first caught my attention, starbelliedbug once again demonstrates their ability to balance delicate melodies with expansive guitar textures, creating music that feels both deeply personal and wonderfully atmospheric.
Despite sharing a similar sonic foundation, the five tracks work together to establish a cohesive atmosphere without making the EP feel like a collection of interchangeable songs. Each track contributes to the same hazy, dreamlike world, reinforcing the feeling of uncertainty that runs throughout the release. The band’s use of distortion and layered instrumentation gives the music a sense of instability, as though the melodies are constantly shifting just beyond your reach. It’s an approach that feels particularly fitting for a record exploring the discomfort of the unknown, where not everything needs to be clearly defined or resolved.
The influence of My Bloody Valentine is certainly noticeable, especially in the emphasis on dense guitar textures and the way the vocals become almost inseparable from the surrounding instrumentation. However, starbelliedbug uses these familiar elements to create a sound that feels intimate rather than purely overwhelming. Beneath the walls of distortion, there is a strong melodic sensibility that keeps the songs accessible, preventing the atmosphere from becoming too abstract or detached. This balance between noise and melody is what makes the EP so engaging, giving the listener something to hold onto even as the music seems to dissolve around them.
“Rocket”, the fourth track, is definitely my favorite, as it reminds me of “Only Shallow”, the best MBV song ever. The arrangement of the chorus made me feel things I can’t quite explain, especially because of the ethereal lead guitars carrying the melody above the dense wall of distortion. There’s something about the way these layers come together that makes me feel like I’m floating, as if time itself had stopped for a moment. The melodies seem to stretch endlessly, creating this weightless, almost otherworldly sensation that makes you want to close your eyes and get completely lost in the music. It’s exactly the kind of moment that reminds me why I love shoegaze so much, when the sound becomes so immersive that you stop paying attention to anything else around you.
Lash is for sure, a must-listen for every shoegaze enthusiast. You can check it out here:
Written by Joshua Cotrim
