Beautiful Noise

"Beautiful Noise," directed by Eric Green, was launched in 2014 and serves as a tribute to the music genre known as Noise Pop or "shoegaze." The film presents an in-depth exploration of this often misunderstood and overlooked genre, drawing particular attention to its origins, its impact, and its lasting influence on the world of modern music. The documentary stars prominent figures from this music scene: Emma Anderson from Lush, Alex Ayuli from A.R. Kane, and Andy Bell of Ride and Oasis.

"Beautiful Noise" conducts an historical exploration of the shoegaze genre, tracing its roots back to the late 1980s and early 1990s across the UK. It delves deep into the unique sound that came to define the genre - a blend of ethereal vocals, distorted guitar riffs and waves of overlaying sound that sought to subvert traditional pop and rock sensibilities.

Emma Anderson of the band Lush, one of the seminal shoegaze bands of the 90s, offers a firsthand account of how the genre evolved and how it was received by the public and critics. Likewise, Alex Ayuli and Andy Bell contribute valuable insight into the experimental ethos that underpinned shoegaze, and relay their experiences both onstage and offstage.

The film features interviews with musicians sharing their experiences and stories about the creation and development of what many believed to be a fleeting music trend, but which turned out to be far more influential. Their testimonies shed light on their creative process, their struggles with mainstream music industry, their battles against mischaracterization by the press, and their efforts to gain recognition and appreciation for their innovative sound.

Green uses "Beautiful Noise" to set the record straight, focusing not only on shoegaze's origins but also on its lasting legacy. He illustrates how this genre still influences many contemporary bands, and how it has inspired a new generation of fans around the world. Green's diligent treatment of the subject matter, combined with retrospectively valuable archive footage and live performances, paints a compelling and nostalgic image of a time when bands were pushing boundaries and reinventing music in ways previously unseen.

Music lovers have the opportunity to learn more about the driving forces and inspiration behind bands such as 'My Bloody Valentine', 'Slowdive', 'Cocteau Twins', and 'Jesus and Mary Chain', amongst others. Key music critics and historians also provide significant commentary and insight into the development, reception, and aftermath of the shoegaze movement.

There are a few delightful surprises in "Beautiful Noise." For instance, interviews and testimonies from other popular artists like Robert Smith of The Cure and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails appear throughout, detailing how this underground music movement impacted their own work, helping to illustrate the true reach and influence of shoegaze.

"Beautiful Noise" is, at its heart, a love letter to a music movement that didn't seek mainstream approval but found lasting resonance in the hearts of its devoted fans. Despite facing significant adversity, shoegaze has shaped and fundamentally altered the landscape of alternative music, and this film captures that journey. This documentary serves as an accessible starting point for those new to this genre, and as a nostalgic homage for those already familiar with its dreamy, immersive sounds.

Whether you're an existing fan of shoegaze, someone with a liking for outlandishly experimental yet tantalizing soundscapes, or simply someone interested in the history of music styles or the music industry’s evolution, "Beautiful Noise" is a worthwhile, intriguing watch. The film is appreciated for its authenticity, reverence, and celebration of the genre and its artists - and serves to ensure that this rebellious segment of music history is not forgotten. If you seek to plunge into the realm of music’s past, crave the nostalgic embrace of alternative sounds, or simply appreciate the art of storytelling through sound, "Beautiful Noise" is a must-see.