The year 2024 has undeniably turned into a celebration of shoegaze for me. I find myself immersed in the lush sounds of this genre, realizing just how deep my appreciation runs. My playlist has been dominated by dreamy shoegaze and ethereal dream pop, all harmoniously intertwined with a sprinkle of emo. In the midst of this, the latest EP from Mud Dauber perfectly captures the essence of my current mood. This release weaves together elements of folk, emo-infused shoegaze, and indie rock, creating a soundscape that I can listen to on repeat without a hint of boredom.
With my noise-canceling headphones securely in place, I step out into the bustling chaos of the season, allowing this music to envelop me and shut out the distractions of the outside world. It’s Christmas time, and I find myself standing in a long line, the holiday anxiety swelling to overwhelming heights. The sights and sounds of capitalism are at their peak, and I feel an unsettling guilt as I contribute to this consumer-driven frenzy. In these moments, I yearn for a world where we embrace simpler celebrations and spend less during the holidays. The melancholic undertones of emo music resonate with my feelings, and this EP serves as a soothing balm for my soul. I long for the serene quiet of my home, a refuge when the bustling crowds have dispersed, leaving the city tranquil in the depths of the holiday season.
Though I will have my music as my steadfast companion, it acts as my therapy, helping me navigate the accumulated stress and anxiety of the past months. I truly hope it does the same for you.
Now, returning to the EP, it’s a powerful and dynamic collection, marked by heavy shoegaze guitar riffs and a distinctly emo sensibility, enriched by vocals that cut through the usual haze found in typical shoegaze tracks. This clarity adds a refreshing dimension that I really appreciate. The EP also has hints of post-hardcore energy, which speaks to my tastes, and the inclusion of acoustic guitar adds depth and warmth, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Although this Houston-based band hasn’t received the promotion their work deserves, they’ve crafted an EP that shouldn’t be overlooked, even with its release in December—a month when most music publications have already wrapped up their year-end lists. I would certainly place this EP on my list of standout albums (EPs) from the year. From the very first notes to the final chords, I was captivated by the vibrant energy it exudes.
I’m genuinely grateful to the band for sharing such an extraordinary release with us, and I sincerely hope it reaches the ears of many listeners because it truly merits your attention. The EP is packed with stellar tracks that make it nearly impossible to choose a favorite, so I won’t even attempt to single one out; instead, I encourage you to listen to the EP in its entirety. Mud Dauber is undoubtedly a band worth following, and I eagerly anticipate what they will unveil next. In the meantime, I will be enthusiastically blasting this EP, reveling in every moment of its brilliance.
Written by Filip Zemcik

