As I’m listening to “Spiritual Instinct,” the latest from French Blackgaze* pioneers, Alcest, I find that I’m enjoying it, I’m enjoying it, enjoying it, feeling a bit spaced out but still enjoying it, then - - at the start of the 6xth and final track, the title track - - I’m loving it.
Blackgaze as a musical subgenre is supposedly a blend of Death Metal/Black Metal and Shoegaze. That seems to me a lazy and shorthand way to try to describe Alcest (as well as many other bands with this tag). Alcest’s gaze is aloft, not downward at anyone’s Chuck Taylors.

Their songs are beautiful Bob Ross paintings of landscapes (although unlike Bob Ross’s masterpieces, probably not completed in 15 minute episodes), focused on majestic mountains and happy little moments. The vocals are primarily soaring above in the blue sky, with lots of sustained “Ahhhhs,” but they do occasionally fly into stormcloud turbulence, with the parts for the gruff, growled vocals. These moments are jarringly out-of-place, but probably necessary, and thankfully, used sparingly. What Alcest do best - - and wonderfully - - are the droning, loping, mesmeric sections, where the instruments and voices converge into one pure message.
The guitars are not drowning in extra tracks, but awash in layers, texturing, fuzz, and the minor pentatonic scale, as the songs ebb and flow in intensity, rocking the listener in multiple ways into a comfortably numb state.
As I said above, the music is strong; the songs range from pretty good to really good to really really good (see track 2: “Protection”), until the end. The penultimate title track is sublime; it’s what we signed up for with this band.
It’s impossible for any serious music fan to skip “Spiritual Instinct,” or ti just give it one listen. Even after multiple full spins, it still feels as though there are still mysteries and sensations to be uncovered. Whatever you think of Blackgaze, give Alcest a try.


*Yes, Blackbaze is a real Metal subgenre now. Don’t ask me, I just work here.