Pale Saints

Pale Saints drew from a deceptively deep pool of influences and teased out distinctive traits that charmed the visionary 4AD label, and consequently listeners for whom shoegaze was a term of endearment. The English band developed their unique strain of dream pop by synthesizing elements of connected bygone movements such as West Coast psychedelia, the paisley underground, and C-86, applying avant-folk, pure pop, and the spectral post-punk advancements of their elder labelmates along the way. Their three albums of increasing scope and sprawl -- namely The Comforts of Madness (1990) and In Ribbons (1992), both of which charted, followed by Slow Buildings (1994) -- left lasting imprints. Expanded 30th anniversary editions of all three were released in the 2020s.