everything is alive

Released in 2023, 'everything is alive' marks Slowdive's fifth studio album and their second since their 2014 reformation. The project originated as a more minimal, electronic-focused solo endeavor by Neil Halstead, influenced by his experimentation with modular synthesizers. As the full band integrated into the process, these electronic skeletons were fleshed out with the group's trademark shoegaze textures, resulting in a hybrid sound that bridges their 90s legacy with contemporary ambient and synth-pop sensibilities. The album is dedicated to Rachel Goswell's mother and Simon Scott's father, both of whom passed away during its creation, lending the work a subtle but pervasive sense of tribute and life-cycles. Critics noted the album's 'glowing' production and its ability to maintain the band's identity while subtly evolving their palette. It stands as a testament to their enduring chemistry, favoring mood and atmosphere over traditional song structures, and solidifying their place as masters of the 'ethereal' aesthetic in the 21st century.