My Mind Makes Noises
2018Dirty Hit
Their debut — hook-driven, melodic, and full of Baron-Gracie's warm vocals. There's a Honey is the standout.
Manchester's most melodic dream pop band — Heather Baron-Gracie's hook-driven songs make Pale Waves one of the most enjoyable British indie acts of the late 2010s.
Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Pale Waves formed in Manchester in 2014, Heather Baron-Gracie, Ciara Doran, Hugo Silvani, and Charlie Wood developing a sound rooted in indie pop and dream pop that was immediately hook-driven and melodic. Baron-Gracie's vocals were warm and expressive, and the band's combination of melodic directness with a gothic aesthetic gave them a distinctive visual and sonic identity.
They were signed to Dirty Hit and released their debut album 'My Mind Makes Noises' (2018) to strong reviews, with 'There's a Honey' and 'Television Romance' establishing them as one of the most promising new British acts. 'Who Am I?' (2021) and 'Unwanted' (2022) developed their sound in more direct, punk-influenced directions.
Pale Waves have continued to record and perform with remarkable consistency, remaining one of the most melodically assured British indie acts of their generation. Their combination of hook-driven songs, gothic aesthetic, and Baron-Gracie's warm vocals makes them genuinely distinctive. ⚠ Flag: post-2022 activity — verify any releases since 'Unwanted'.
Dirty Hit
Their debut — hook-driven, melodic, and full of Baron-Gracie's warm vocals. There's a Honey is the standout.
Dirty Hit
A more direct follow-up — punk-influenced and emotionally raw, showing a new side of the band.
Dirty Hit
Their most direct record — harder-edged and emotionally intense, with the melodic gifts intact.
Links marked with ★ are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Dispatch
New deep-dives and playlists, straight to your inbox.
Shared the Dirty Hit label and the melodic, hook-driven approach to British indie pop