Rest in Clouds: The Ethereal Force of Modern Shoegaze

Rest in Clouds is the immersive musical project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Elara Vance, originating from Manchester, UK. The artist broke through with the 2018 debut album Cerulean Static, which charted on the UK Independent Albums Breakers Chart and has been streamed over 50 million times globally.

Early career

Elara Vance began experimenting with layered guitar textures and ambient soundscapes in her home studio around 2012. Her first formal release was the self-produced EP Drift Echo in 2015, which caught the attention of the independent label Sonic Cathedral.

This early work led to a signing with the influential UK indie label Bella Union in early 2017. The label provided the resources for Vance to fully realize her dense, atmospheric vision in a professional recording environment.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough arrived in October 2018 with the release of the debut LP Cerulean Static. The album entered the UK Official Album Download Chart at number 24 and spent several weeks on the UK Independent Album Breakers Chart.

Supported by critical acclaim, the album's lead single gained significant traction on streaming platforms. This success was followed by a sold-out headline tour across Europe in 2019.

Key tracks

Cerulean Static — The title track's cascading guitars and hypnotic vocals defined the project's signature wall-of-sound aesthetic.

Veil — This collaboration with producer Forest Swords became a standout track, showcasing a masterful blend of shoegaze and electronic production.

Glimmer — As the most streamed single from the debut, its melodic drive helped expand Rest in Clouds' audience beyond the core genre fanbase.

Fathom — A later single that demonstrated artistic growth, incorporating more pronounced rhythms while maintaining the project's ethereal core.

Continued evolution and live presence

Rest in Clouds released the sophomore album Aether Lines in 2022, which debuted at number 12 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. The record refined the project's sound with clearer vocal melodies and more dynamic song structures.

A notable collaboration followed in 2023, with Vance contributing production and vocals to a track on the self-titled album by the band Purity Ring. This period also included performances at major festivals like Primavera Sound and Wide Sky.

The music of Rest in Clouds finds kinship with other atmospheric artists from the UK scene. Listeners who enjoy the dense textures of Slowdive will appreciate the layered guitar approach. The dream-pop sensibilities of Cocteau Twins are a clear influence on the vocal style. For a modern take on the genre, explore Nothing and their heavier shoegaze sound. The experimental production on later albums shares ground with Grimes earlier work.

The expansive sound of Rest in Clouds is a staple on specialty radio formats. Online radio streams dedicated to dream pop and independent music frequently feature tracks like Veil and Glimmer. Furthermore, modern rock and alternative rock radio stations often include the artist's more accessible singles in their evening rotation, appreciating the music's atmospheric quality.

You can hear the immersive shoegaze of Rest in Clouds on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the artist's discography, from Cerulean Static to Aether Lines, by tuning into the dedicated alternative and independent music stations available on onairium.com.