The Veldt – Morning, June and Yesterday

The Veldt, pioneers of the first wave of shoegaze, have returned with “Morning, June, and Yesterday,” the latest teaser off their upcoming Spanikopita EP. Founded in North Carolina in the 1980s by identical twins Daniel Chavis (vocals, guitar) and Danny Chavis (guitar), the band once again proves its power to combine dream pop, shoegaze, Soul, and ambient sounds into an exceptionally in-depth listening experience. The song starts off with a strong mid-tempo beat that builds a hypnotic groove. Lush synthesisers, exotic percussion, and gently layered acoustic guitars slowly take over the stereo field, resulting in a wide-ranging and majestic soundtrack. Rather than putting the vocals in the spotlight, the production allows the synthesisers to take equal, if not more, significance in the mix, emphasising mood over conventional song structure. This method produces a lush, ethereal sound that recalls the surreal aesthetics of the old 4AD archive. The deep rhythmic beat, mixed with ambient electronic sounds, recreates the atmospheric mood of early 1990s ethereal music, with sometimes traces of Enigma in the way the percussion and synths interact. Daniel Chavis’ vocal performance is similarly engaging, delivering the words with warmth, elegance, and tenderness. At times, his expressive phrasing mirrors David Bowie’s sincere vocals, giving another level of sophistication to the composition without overshadowing the band’s distinct identity. The production is open and well-balanced, allowing each acoustic layer to develop naturally while keeping an overall sensation of “depth.” The soft layering of sounds creates a surreal atmosphere that rewards close listening, making the song feel timeless and fresh. “Morning, June, and Yesterday” is a beautifully produced return from one of shoegaze’s most important bands, integrating lush atmosphere, beautiful vocals, and elegant instrumentation to create a fascinating piece of modern dream pop.