Dream pop, also written as dreampop, is a subgenre of alternative rock and neo-psychedelia that emphasizes atmosphere and sonic texture alongside pop melodies. It is characterized by features such as breathy vocals, dense production, and the use of effects like reverb, echo, tremolo, and chorus. The genre often overlaps with shoegaze, and the two terms have sometimes been used interchangeably.
Dream pop gained prominence in the 1980s through artists associated with the UK label 4AD, including Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, and A.R. Kane. Later, other notable acts in the genre included My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Lush from the UK, as well as Galaxie 500, Julee Cruise, and Mazzy Star from the United States. The genre experienced renewed popularity among millennial listeners following the late-2000s success of the indie band Beach House.
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