Going Blank Again cover

Going Blank Again

Ride · 1992

50 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal guitar textures intertwine with dynamic rhythms, creating a lush sonic landscape that defines early '90s shoegaze.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Leave Them All Behind Start here — This opening track features an expansive soundscape characterized by layered guitars and driving beats, setting the tone for the entire album's exploration of escapism.
  • →
    Twisterella — With its catchy melody and vibrant instrumentation, this track exemplifies Ride's ability to blend accessibility with their signature shoegaze aesthetics.
  • →
    Time Machine — This song encapsulates themes of nostalgia and yearning, featuring a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that highlights the band's lyrical depth alongside their sonic richness.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Ride's lush sound and dynamic contrasts mark a strong entry in the shoegaze genre.

What we noticed

  • The opening track features a gradual build-up, layering guitars and vocals that create an expansive soundscape before the rhythm section kicks in.
  • Several tracks utilize contrasting dynamics, alternating between ethereal verses and explosive choruses, which enhances emotional impact.
  • The album includes moments of instrumental interludes that allow for atmospheric breathing space between more intense sections.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dreamy soundscapes for introspection
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • headphone detail hunting experience
  • late-night reflective journeys

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Ride's reputation in the shoegaze genre after their debut.
Themes
escapism through sound· nostalgic yearning· early '90s shoegaze
Career context
In 1992, Ride was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene with their second album, following their successful debut 'Nowhere' released in 1990. At this point, the band was gaining critical acclaim and commercial traction, leveraging their unique sound to capture the attention of both fans and industry insiders alike.
Stylistic neighbors
My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive· Lush

Tracklist

  • 1 Leave Them All Behind Start here 8:17
  • 2 Twisterella 3:42
  • 3 Not Fazed 4:20
  • 4 Chrome Waves 3:53
  • 5 Mouse Trap 5:16
  • 6 Time of Her Time 3:16
  • 7 Cool Your Boots 6:02
  • 8 Making Judy Smile 2:37
  • 9 Time Machine 5:52
  • 10 OX4 7:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata