Delta of Venus, the indie rock band that initially emerged from a basement in 1993, has returned after a long hiatus, and their new single, Disengaged b/w Slipping, is a revelation for shoegaze and indie pop enthusiasts. The two-track release, out November 26, 2024, marks the band’s first recorded material in over two decades, showcasing a mature, evolved sound that builds on their past while embracing modern innovations.
The band’s origin story is as unconventional as their music. In 1993, three friends—Dawn Estabrooks, Mat Tarbox, and Ellery Twining—started Delta of Venus with a bold premise: they would pick up instruments they didn’t know how to play. This self-imposed challenge not only led to a distinctive sound but also ensured that the band was impossible to categorize. Their early years saw them release two EPs and a seven-inch single, with live performances in the indie rock corridor between New York City and Providence. Yet, despite their unique voice, the band dissolved in 1997 after the release of their full-length album, Make Yrself Xtra Special.
Fast forward to 2023, when Ellery, fresh off the release of two solo albums, reached out to his old bandmates to rekindle the creative spark. The result is Disengaged b/w Slipping, a stunning fusion of shoegaze textures and indie pop sensibilities. The band’s reformation, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Dawn Estabrooks, an original member, had to step away due to travel commitments, leaving Ellery, Mat, and Shawn Fake (who joined the band as a live drummer in 1994) to track the two songs. But in an unexpected twist, new vocalist Issy, who had been working with Ellery at Mystic Disc, entered the fold. In just three hours, Issy recorded the vocals for both tracks, injecting a fresh, ethereal energy into the band’s sound.
Disengaged opens with swirling, atmospheric layers, the kind of immersive soundscapes that shoegaze fans adore. The track builds a sense of tension and release, with its fluid transitions between movements, a hallmark of Delta of Venus’ evolving songwriting process. The follow-up, Slipping, takes a more introspective approach, weaving hypnotic melodies and evocative lyrics that linger long after the track ends. What’s striking about both songs is their departure from traditional song structures. There are no verses or choruses in the typical sense. Instead, the songs flow in movements, capturing the essence of shoegaze’s dreamy, abstract nature, while maintaining a distinct narrative.
While the influence of classic shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive is evident, Delta of Venus has carved out their own niche, blending lush instrumentation with a unique songwriting style. Their music is more than just a sound; it’s a journey—one that invites listeners to lose themselves in the atmospheric depth and emotional weight of each track.
As Delta of Venus prepares for a new chapter, Disengaged b/w Slipping serves as a perfect introduction to their reimagined sound. The band’s return feels timely, as their introspective, layered music resonates with a new generation of listeners drawn to emotive and experimental indie rock. With a fresh vocalist and a redefined sound, Delta of Venus is poised to capture hearts once again.
