10 Tracks That Showcase the Best of Texas Shoegaze

Texas isn't just the subject of country songs. It's also the birthplace of thousands of underground bands that deserve more exposure, and to celebrate Texas going blue in the 2026 U.S. midterms, I browsed this playlist to find some obscure shoegaze bands from Austin, Houston and beyond. These tracks represent the best of the Lone Star State, and they give you an idea of the experimental music that you'll find in the Southern U.S. If you've ever wanted to be a "day one" fan, here's your chance—most of these bands are still releasing music and performing live.

1. Gemini by Small Chair

"Gemini" sounds just like the single cover looks: hot, humid and sticky like a summer storm rolling over the plains. The song abruptly trails off near the two-minute mark, leading you to believe that the journey is over, until it suddenly plunges into a lush pool of textures like a forgotten fever dream. On Instagram, the band discussed their return to "our dream-pop roots for the OG Small Chair day ones," showing that this track isn't just a single; it's also a love letter to the band's extensive history in Southeast Houston.

2. Bottomless Pit by SourTouch.

"Bottomless Pit" is the second and final track on SourTouch.'s 2026 release, highlighting the group's blistering production that sounds like a white-hot star boiling overhead. Unsurprisingly, yellow and black dominate the band's aesthetic, with shouted vocals and fuzzy production emphasizing the feeling that you're listening to nu-metal from another dimension. SourTouch.'s unique blend of shoegaze and alt-rock doesn't quite fit into one genre, and if you listen to their whole discography, you might just melt in the hot Texas sun.

3. feel by scarymovies

scarymoves describes themselves as "haunted tx rock music," and as an album opener, "feel" definitely lets you know that you're in for a spooky time. This 2026 track slowly trickles into your headphones in ghostly, shimmering waves, then abruptly comes to life with hot streaks of noise and warm, bubbling textures. Right now, scarymovies has only 16 Instagram followers and four monthly Spotify listeners, but I think that should change—and if you want to support them, their Bandcamp releases are fairly affordable.

4. Fond by Slipdress

Slipdress might only have two tracks in their discography, but with nearly 800 monthly Spotify listeners and over 38,000 combined streams, this Austin-based group is clearly a rising star in the shoegaze world. "Fond," their 2025 single, is a fuzzy, gauzy track that slowly numbs your brain while the production tickles your subconscious. I can't imagine what it's like to hear this song live, and if you live in the Austin area, make sure you follow Slipdress on Instagram so that you can catch their latest show.

5. Emotionless by Lunar Heart

Contrary to popular belief, the Southern U.S. isn't a monolith. In fact, you'll find pockets of liberalism everywhere, and Lunar Heart made a statement when they opened for Bernie Sanders in 2025. This accomplished group also has a 2024 EP available for download and streaming, with "Emotionless" shining as a standout track. Maria Mendoza's sugary sweet vocals give this airy, dreamlike tune a delicate quality, blending shoegaze and bedroom pop to create a delightful confection that might send you flying into the clouds.

6. Far Away by Self Love Club

"Far Away," a track from Self Love Club's 2023 release, immediately grabs your attention with a wet, piercing sound like liquid mercury sliding across glass. As the song starts to pick up, Nicole Parker's vocals echo through the soundscape like a ghost murmuring through the trees. This feathery song threatens to pull apart the fabric of reality, but if you think you can handle it, you can currently grab their entire discography for free on Bandcamp. While you're at it, check out the band's shoegaze cover of "Creep" by Radiohead.

7. Blair by French Film

At a recent show, French Film's drummer wore a shirt that read "Protect Trans Kids," making it clear that the band doesn't shy away from taking a stand. This is a refreshing approach in a time when many celebrities remain silent, and French Film is equally bold in their songwriting, combining rock, shoegaze and a hint of 90s nostalgia to blow you away before bringing you back down to earth. "Blair" comes from the band's 2026 record, and with a fall tour on the way, it's safe to say that French Film is just getting started.

8. Damaged Girls by Feminoise

With soothing vocals and a cozy, nostalgic sound, "Damaged Girls" makes you feel like you're wearing a warm blanket, even as the lyrics dive into a world of female trauma. On her website, Feminoise discusses her commitment to making authentic music without excessive production, and this 2025 track offers a raw, unfiltered look at an experience that most women can relate to. On Instagram, Feminoise uses Taylor Swift memes to market her work, and maybe she'll be big enough one day to grab Taylor's attention.

9. Destroyer by Paper Sister

According to their Instagram bio, Paper Sister is "shoegaze but also not shoegaze." Sure enough, "Destroyer" has the fuzz and heavy vocals associated with shoegaze, but it also boasts a clear sound and crisp production that place this 2025 release in the "alternative rock" category. Clearly, Texas bands have a knack for blending genres, and the live version adds another layer to this track. Paper Sister books shows fairly regularly, so if you live in the Austin area, don't miss your chance to hear this eclectic group in person.

10. Mourning Bug by Charm*

"Mourning Bug" starts off quietly, but don't let that fool you. As the music gradually gets louder, you get the sense that you're in for a mind-bending experience, and the gritty, distorted textures lure you into a hazy world where hushed vocals barely penetrate the fog. This 2025 single is one of the band's latest releases, and while Charm* has a small discography, their Instagram profile is quietly building a world of dark venues, dripping light leaks and underground shows where anything can happen.

Are you a shoegaze fan? What did you think about these tracks? Sound off in the comments.