Collection: Blanket

Formed in the early days of 2016, blanket began as the brainchild of Bobby and Simon, two musicians driven by a shared passion for creating immersive and atmospheric music. While they initially started writing music together, it wasn’t until 2017 that the band fully took shape with the addition of other members. This year also marked the release of their debut EP, a project that primarily showcased their post-rock influences, a genre known for its expansive and instrumental soundscapes.

The release of *Our Brief Encounters* in 2017 served as the band's first major statement, a collection of tracks that leaned heavily into post-rock territory. Written largely by Bobby and Simon, the EP was characterized by its sprawling instrumental sections and minimal vocals, crafting a sound that was both introspective and grand in scale. 

However, as the band continued to grow and evolve, so did their sound. “That EP was mostly me and Simon writing post-rock leaning music,” reflects Bobby. “After that, we went more vocal-heavy bit by bit with each record. I’d say we still have elements of that sound now, I mean it’s still us playing, so it’s always going to be there in some way.”

This gradual shift has led *blanket* to create music that is not only sonically richer but also more accessible, blending their atmospheric roots with a newfound emphasis on lyrical and vocal expression.

Among blanket’s growing catalog, one track in particular has stood out: Where the Light Takes Us. As the band’s most-streamed song on Spotify, it has cemented itself as a fan favorite. The song’s popularity has been a pleasant surprise for the band, with Bobby noting, “I mean, I’m happy that any of our songs do well, to be honest. I think the rise in Deftones-style vibes have just bumped that one song a bit.”

Despite the success of Where the Light Takes Us, blanket remains grounded, focused on creating music that resonates on a deeper level, regardless of chart positions.

The band’s track “In Awe” features collaborations with artists Kadeem France and Loathe, adding another layer of depth and diversity to their sound. Reflecting on the experience, Bobby shares, “They’re great guys. It’s cool to have other bands from the North doing great things.” This collaboration not only highlights blanket’s willingness to explore new sonic territories but also their strong connection to the northern music scene.

Blanket draws inspiration from a range of influences, with bands like Cave In, Converge, and Dillinger Escape Plan being particularly impactful. “Everyone in bands like Cave In and Converge and Dillinger Escape Plan, and that whole scene, has always inspired me,” Bobby admits. “I do live in the past with all that, though, but it’s great.”

These influences are evident in the band’s music, which often blends the intensity and complexity of post-hardcore with the atmospheric qualities of post-rock, creating a sound that is both familiar and distinct.

In 2023, blanket released their latest album, Ceremonia, a record that stands out as a departure from their previous work. “We just wanted to do something more positive, lyrically and musically,” Bobby explains. “So it was more of a want to use more major-sounding chords and a more hopeful vibe compared to Modern Escapism.”

This shift towards a more optimistic sound reflects the band’s desire to explore new emotional landscapes while maintaining the core of what makes their music unique.

When it comes to the current state of the shoegaze/post-rock scene, Bobby has mixed feelings. “Mmmmm, I mean, there’s some cool bands,” he muses. “On one hand, I think it’s so cool that younger people are into all these genres and kinda listen to all different kinds of music. On the other hand, I think the subgenres are dumb, and it’s just all rock music.”

As blanket continues to navigate their place within the broader rock landscape, they remain committed to pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates with listeners on a profound level. Whether through collaborations, evolving soundscapes, or staying true to their roots, blanket is a band that refuses to be confined by genre labels, always striving to create something that feels both timeless and fresh.