Wray (Photo by Wes Frazer)

With the return of seminal shoegaze bands like Ride and Lush from England, which really left their mark on the genre, it might be easy to forget there are many thriving new bands, and even American bands, carrying on the shoegaze sound.

Well, maybe not given the popularity of Zachary Cole Smith and DIIV, who returned with a strong new album last year. But Brooklyn isn’t the only place where you can find shoegaze stalwarts! Case in point: Wray from Birmingham, Ala.

The trio released their self-titled debut in 2014, and they have already followed it up with a second full-length album, Hypatia, which came out last Friday via Communicating Vessels. They are making a stop at the Black Cat on Tuesday, Jan. 26, in a tour to support the album.

Wray’s new album has a pleasant, easygoing vibe, as evidenced by the title track. Watch the official music video for “Hypatia,” which pays homage to the Greek mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher in Egypt, circa 400 AD, from whom the album draws its name:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nw38B7sTsk]

Says the New York Times of Wray: “A wash of distortion, a motorik beat, an impassive and nearly drowned-out vocal: These are the essential building blocks for Wray, a three-piece band pursuing its own extrapolation of shoegaze, surf-punk and lo-fi garage-rock.”

Sounds pretty good to us! DC bands Exit Vehicles and ShowPony open for Wray. Tickets are available online.

Wray
W/ Exit Vehicles, ShowPony
Black Cat
Tuesday, Jan. 26
Doors @7:30pm
$10
All ages