Bliss Abyss is a fresh presence in the shoegaze world, driven by the melodic instincts of singer-guitarist Peter Wallner whose musical path is a tapestry of boundary-pushing projects: the industrial shoegaze duo Astronomers Anonymous, the anthemic synthpunk trio Whisper, and a stint in Some Ember. Under his stage name Peter Lightning, he also played with the post punk outfit Wax Idols and later joined Heaven’s Club as a keyboardist, a move that eventually led to him playing guitar with Deafheaven on tour. It’s a formidable résumé, and the depth of that experience permeates the sound of Bliss Abyss.
Originally conceived during the pandemic as a synthpop experiment, Bliss Abyss evolved into a fully realized three-piece centered on melody and texture. The project crystallized when Wallner met producer and bassist Joe Finocchio while performing in the hardcore punk supergroup Culture Spy. After hearing early demos, Finocchio quickly signed on to produce a full album, helping shape the group’s lush yet incisive sound.
Their debut offering, Star, marks the beginning of a new sonic chapter, often dark and angular, sometimes bright and shimmering. The track exhibits contrasts and cohesion, bringing forward a radiant balance between fuzz and melody, atmosphere and emotion.
ZR