Still Corners: Architects of Dreamy Indie Pop and Shoegaze

Still Corners is a British-American dream pop and synth-pop duo known for crafting atmospheric, cinematic soundscapes. The group, formed in London, has built a dedicated following through a consistent output of hazy, evocative albums that channel a timeless sense of melancholy and travel.

Early career

Still Corners was formed in London in 2007 by American multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Hughes. Hughes soon connected with British vocalist Tessa Murray, whose ethereal voice became the defining element of the band's sound. Their early work, including the 2008 single "Don't Fall in Love," quickly established their signature style of reverb-drenched guitars and nostalgic synth textures.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived with their 2011 debut album, "Creatures of an Hour," released on the influential Sub Pop label. This release solidified their position within the international dream pop scene, earning critical praise for its cohesive, shadowy beauty. Their follow-up, 2013's "Strange Pleasures," featured the standout track "The Trip," which became a fan favorite and expanded their reach.

Key tracks

The Trip - This driving, synth-heavy song from 2013 encapsulates their romantic, road-ready aesthetic and remains a central piece in their live sets.

Black Lagoon - A track from their 2016 album "Dead Blue," it showcases a darker, more brooding side of their dream pop formula.

Far Rider - From their 2018 album "Slow Air," this song highlights a shift towards a more organic, desert-rock influenced sound.

The Last Exit - The title track from their 2021 album embodies their evolved style, blending spaghetti-western atmospheres with their classic dream pop foundation.

The musical journey of Still Corners has been marked by a deliberate evolution. After "Strange Pleasures," they explored a darker, more electronic direction on 2016's "Dead Blue." Their 2018 album "Slow Air" saw a notable pivot, trading synthesizers for a more guitar-centric, folk-tinged sound inspired by the American Southwest. This thematic thread of travel and open roads culminated in their 2021 release, "The Last Exit," a concept album that fully realized their "desert noir" vision. Throughout their career, Greg Hughes has served as the primary songwriter, producer, and engineer, maintaining a distinct and cohesive audio identity across all their work, while Tessa Murray's vocals provide the constant, haunting emotional core. The duo, now based in the English countryside, continues to operate independently, crafting their precise and immersive world on their own terms.

Fans of Still Corners' textured and moody sound often appreciate the work of similar artists like Beach House, who also master lush, melancholic dream pop. The hazy guitar work connects them to Slowdive, pioneers of the shoegaze revival. Their later, more atmospheric rock direction shares a vibe with Widowspeak and their dusty, cinematic indie folk.