Blushing Review

Austin dream pop – shoegaze quartet Blushing is releasing a ten-song self-titled album. Comprised of two married couples, Christina Carmona: vocals, bass, Michelle Soto: guitar, vocals, Noe Carmona: guitar, and Jake Soto: drums. Blushing was recorded, mixed and produced by Elliott Frazier with mastering by Alexander Lyon in The Bubble Austin, TX. The album is filled with ethereal sounds and build a story that is seldom heard in the shoegaze/dream-pop category, the two husband and wife team are truly something special.

The hypnotic dream-pop sound of “So Many” starts the journey with a moody guitar figure that supports the soft female vocals as the tune methodically brings all the sounds together. The dream world is augmented with swirls and looping vocal patterns that build to create an impressive sound. Noe’s guitar solo is atmospheric and adds interest. The real beauty, the balance and feeling the two female voices give the melody elevates the music to a higher level.

Combining a little of the Austin vibe within the dream pop atmosphere is “Dream Merchants.” Blushing uses reverb, delay and effects as a musical device that is just as much a part of the songs aura as the instruments sounds and singing. This gives their music a depth that is meaningful and encourages  investigation further of its emotive nature. Carmona’s lead vocals are breathy and blend wonderfully with Michelle’s. The band sounds as a unit and the song has sections of tension and release with a  clearly defined rhythmic development.

Moody, pensive and poignant, Blushing has outdone themselves this year. The introduction of the group with Tether (2017), Weak (2018),  and the furtherance with their latest self-titled release illuminates the continued expansion of their sound with a dreamy sound that offers a bite.  Their dream pop sound offers a depth and quality unmatched in the marketplace at this time.

Blushing: Website