Deafhound is an alternative/shoegaze band from Portland, OR. The trio made their debut in 2022 with the 9-track LP Crows. After two years of toiling with their sound, Deafhound took 2024 to roll out their recently released sophomore effort, Default/Decline. Their new album has them leaning into their shoegaze influences more, and the results are plush dreamscapes that transcend the genre’s tropes and place Deafhound amongst the bands who are fearlessly pushing the burgeoning genre forward.
A highlight from Default/Decline is “Tummy,” a dense tune that feels like the sonic equivalent of uncovering a gem in a deep cave. The song is built around multiple colorful crescendos that explode into more rugged and wonky examples of the band’s approach to shoegaze. The unique innovations on “Tummy” allow Deafhound to borrow from the shoegaze realm while filtering the genre’s usual plush sound through their complex guitar work and ghostly vocal approach. At just under six minutes, there is never a dull moment. The structure of “Tummy” makes it sound almost improvisational if it weren’t for the honed musicianship of the band. Their ability to create a loose feel while sticking to a tight structure allows for the perfect amount of experimentation without crossing the line of being overproduced. Deafhound’s “Tummy” is refreshing shoegaze that only scratches the surface of the band’s mystifying new LP.
“‘Tummy’ is an attempt to capture the depth of anxiety and grief through distorted wailing high ends and deep droning low ends,” explains the band.
