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AUSTIN, TX- When I’m in the right mood, nothing hits the spot like heavy shoegaze music. During South by Southwest back in March, I made it a point to catch an up-and-coming shoegaze band from Phoenix, Arizona, named Glixen. This band, consisting of Aislinn Ritchie on vocals and lead guitar, Esteban Santana on rhythm guitar, Sonia Garcia on bass, and Kiare Johnson on drums, blends elements of shoegaze and alternative rock with a thick layer of heavy, fuzzed-out guitars.
Aislinn Ritchie, their lead singer, possesses a voice as ethereal as they come, effortlessly weaving her supple vocals into the fabric of the band’s rich, distorted soundscapes. There’s something truly special about Glixen’s sound. Even during a midday set at SXSW, they delivered an immersive performance that washed over the audience with a powerful wall of sound. While the stage presence may be subdued, the music speaks volumes. Aislinn’s nonchalant and almost aloof demeanor on stage contrasts beautifully with her captivating vocal delivery, melding seamlessly with the band’s lush instrumentation.
What struck me as particularly compelling was watching bassist Sonia Garcia lose herself in the music, swaying and playing with an intensity that perfectly complemented the band’s sonic atmosphere. Despite their relatively limited discography, with only one EP and a handful of singles since 2021, Glixen’s potential is undeniable. Their music, particularly their latest singles “foreversoon” and “lust” were produced by industry heavyweights like Jack Endino and Sonny DiPerri, showcases their evolving sound, moving from bright, melodic shoegaze to a heavier, darker territory… and I truly dig it.
With their heavy instrumentation coupled with those ethereal, dream-pop-infused vocals, Glixen is carving out a unique niche in the shoegaze scene. Their dedication to crafting a compelling sound is evident in every note, and I have no doubt they are poised for greater heights. Keep an eye on Glixen; they’re a band on the rise, and they’re just getting started.
Follow Glixen on Facebook and Instagram.
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CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE ACTS WE CAUGHT AT SXSW!
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