Alright, Glixen stans—prepare your hearts and noise-cancelling headphones because our fave Phoenix shoegazers are back with their second EP, Quiet Pleasures, dropping February 21, 2025. And yes, it’s coming at us via AWAL and Wichita Recordings. Mark your calendars, because this release is about to hit different.
Glixen isn’t just another shoegaze band riding the nostalgia wave. They’re one of the standout acts leading the American shoegaze renaissance, and they’ve been doing it in their own heavy, introspective way since 2020. With a lineup that includes Aislinn Ritchie on vocals, Esteban Santana shredding on guitar, Keire Johnson holding down the drums, and Sonia Garcia on bass, this Phoenix four-piece has built a sound that pays homage to legends like My Bloody Valentine while carving out something fresh and modern. Think: Björk meets Godflesh, with a sprinkle of t.A.T.u-level drama.
To get us hyped, Glixen just dropped their new single, “Lick the Star,” and honestly? It’s a vibe. The track lulls you into a dreamy haze before unleashing an avalanche of feedback and swirling guitars. It’s like stepping into a calm, foggy forest that suddenly transforms into a thunderstorm—but make it shoegaze. Bandleader Aislinn Ritchie describes it as “a mellow sonic bath of an intro that explodes into a whirling wall of sound and melody.” Translation: it slaps.
“Lick the Star” isn’t our first taste of Quiet Pleasures. This year’s singles—“Lust,” “Foreversoon,” and “Sick Silent”—have already shown off the band’s evolution under the production of Sonny DiPerri (aka the guy who’s worked with My Bloody Valentine and DIIV, so you know the vibes are immaculate). With each track, Glixen continues to push their sound, mixing lush soundscapes with moments of raw intensity.
If you’ve been lucky enough to catch them live, you already know the magic. Since dropping their debut EP She Only Said last summer with Philly tastemaker label Julia’s War Records, they’ve played everywhere from SXSW to Treefort, sharing stages with legends like Interpol and DIIV. But 2025? It’s their year. They’re gearing up for their first headlining North American tour (!!!) with support from she’s green and Suzy Clue, plus they’re hitting Coachella for the first time. Casual.
Aislinn sums it up best: “This is going to be a very busy and fun year for us!”
Fun for them, and even more fun for us. Whether you’ve been riding with Glixen since day one or you’re just now hopping on the bandwagon, there’s no better time to dive into their world of moody, guitar-laden bliss.
So, what are you waiting for? Stream “Lick the Star,” pre-order Quiet Pleasures, and start planning your concert fits. Shoegaze season is officially upon us.
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Gixen on Spotify & YouTube.
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