Airiel

Active since the late 90's, the Chicago-based group's lush washes of effects-heavy guitars and yearning vocals recall U.K. shoegaze acts like Kitchens of Distinction and Ride, and American indie songwriters like Bob Mould.  The group released a series of four Winks and Kisses EPs in 2003 and 2004, then sporadically resurfaced with the albums The Battle of Sealand (2007) and Molten Young Lovers (2017).  Winks and Kisses was remastered for a 20th anniversary deluxe reissue in 2023.  The 20th anniversary deluxe edition included demos dating back to the group's 1997 formation and several previously unreleased songs.  ~ Paul Simpson