Airiel

Airiel, a Chicago-based group active since the late '90s, has garnered a dedicated following with their lush, effects-heavy guitars and yearning vocals reminiscent of U.K. shoegaze acts like Kitchens of Distinction and Ride. The band released a series of EPs in the early 2000s, followed by albums like The Battle of Sealand (2007) and Molten Young Lovers (2017), with a 20th anniversary deluxe reissue of their Winks & Kisses EPs in 2023. Originally founded as Airiel Project One by guitarist/vocalist Jeremy Wrenn in 1997, the band has seen lineup changes and label shifts over the years, evolving their sound to incorporate synth-heavy elements.

Airiel's journey includes a debut single in 1998, a series of EPs in the early 2000s, and collaborations with producers like Ulrich Schnauss on albums such as The Battle of Sealand. The band's discography also includes releases like Kid Games (2012) and the triple LP version of Winks & Kisses (2015), showcasing their evolving musical style. With their second full-length album, Molten Young Lovers (2017), Airiel continued to captivate audiences with their dreamy, atmospheric sound. The band's 2023 reissue of Winks & Kisses, featuring demos and unreleased tracks, serves as a testament to their enduring appeal in the dream pop genre.