Midrift

Midrift is a contemporary shoegaze and slowcore trio from California, consisting of Gus Mehrkam, Manoa Neukermans, and Kai Neukermans. Emerging in 2022, they quickly became a central figure in the 'new wave of American shoegaze,' a scene characterized by a DIY lo-fi aesthetic, heavy distortion, and a cross-pollination with slowcore and emo-adjacent sounds. Their sound identity is built on a foundation of 'sludge-gaze,' where the shimmering textures of 90s shoegaze are replaced with a heavier, more grounded, and often murky production style.

The band's career arc has been remarkably prolific, releasing multiple albums and EPs within their first three years, including 'Midrift,' 'unrequited,' and 'Elysian.' This rapid output has helped them cultivate a massive following on platforms like Last.fm and TikTok, where their music resonates with a younger generation of listeners drawn to 'sad girl' and 'doomer' aesthetics. Critically, they are seen as part of a movement that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional resonance over technical polish, aligning them with peers like blue smiley and Scarlet House. Their influence web connects the foundational slowcore of Duster with the heavy, melodic wall-of-sound approach of bands like Hum or Deftones.