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Slowdive Souvlaki Translucent Blue & Red Marbled Vinyl LP  Release date 26th July 2024

Souvlaki is the second studio album by Slowdive, originally released in 1993.
The album contains synthesizer contributions from Brian Eno on “Sing” (which he co-wrote) and “Here She Comes”.
It’s just perfect in all terms, such as the wonderful tunes, captivating lyrics, and the excellent cover art.
Souvlaki is available as a limited edition of 2000 copies on translucent blue & red marbled vinyl,
packed in a deluxe heavyweight sleeve with rainbow laminate finish.

### Slowdive - Souvlaki: Album Review
**Release Date:** June 1, 1993   **Genre:** Shoegaze, Dream Pop   **Label:** Creation Records
**Overview:** "Souvlaki," the second studio album by English band Slowdive, is a seminal piece in the shoegaze genre. Released in 1993, it showcases the band’s maturation from their debut album "Just for a Day," incorporating richer textures, more cohesive songwriting, and a deeper emotional resonance. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, "Souvlaki" has since been heralded as a classic, its influence reverberating through decades of dream pop and shoegaze music.
**Production:** The album's production involved collaboration with Brian Eno on two tracks, “Sing” and “Here She Comes,” which added a layer of atmospheric sophistication. The overall production, handled by the band along with Chris Hufford, is lush and expansive, creating an immersive soundscape that is both ethereal and grounded.
Side A:
"Alison" "Machine Gun" "40 Days" "Sing" "Here She Comes"
Side B:
"Souvlaki Space Station" "When the Sun Hits" "Altogether" "Melon Yellow" "Dagger"
1. **"Alison"** - The opening track is a perfect encapsulation of the album’s allure, with its dreamy melodies, hazy guitar work, and introspective lyrics. The song’s gentle yet powerful presence sets the tone for the rest of the album.
2. **"Machine Gun"** - A darker, more brooding track, "Machine Gun" features cascading guitars and haunting vocals, building a sense of melancholy and introspection.
3. **"40 Days"** - This track stands out with its more upbeat tempo and catchy melody, offering a contrast to the album’s more somber moments. The dynamic instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout.
4. **"When the Sun Hits"** - Arguably one of Slowdive’s most iconic songs, this track combines swirling guitars with lush harmonies, creating a powerful and emotionally charged experience.
5. **"Souvlaki Space Station"** - An exploration in soundscapes, this track emphasizes the band's ability to create vast, immersive sonic environments. Its looping, reverb-drenched guitars and steady rhythm section evoke a sense of otherworldly serenity.
**Themes and Lyrics:** "Souvlaki" delves into themes of love, loss, and introspection. The lyrics, often impressionistic and abstract, complement the music’s dreamy quality. The emotional depth of the album is enhanced by Neil Halstead’s and Rachel Goswell’s delicate vocal delivery, which conveys a sense of vulnerability and longing.
**Reception and Legacy:** Upon its release, "Souvlaki" received mixed reviews, with some critics dismissing it as uninspired compared to its contemporaries. However, over time, the album has undergone a significant reevaluation. It is now considered one of the defining albums of the shoegaze genre, praised for its intricate production, emotive depth, and enduring beauty. The album’s influence can be seen in numerous modern shoegaze and dream pop bands, underscoring its lasting impact on the music landscape.
**Conclusion:** "Souvlaki" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of shoegaze with its blend of lush soundscapes, emotional depth, and timeless beauty. It’s an album that invites listeners to lose themselves in its dreamy textures and reflective lyrics, offering a transcendent musical experience. For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, "Souvlaki" remains an essential listen, a testament to Slowdive’s artistry and vision.