"Shelter" is the fourth album by contemporary shoegazers Alcest, the destination of a long creative musical journey into vast new territories . More than ever the French outfit consisting of mastermind and multi-instrumentalist Neige and drummer Winterhalter embraces the dreamy guitar textures of shoegaze and blends it with the sweetness of british band Cocteau Twins- dream pop pioneers of the mid to late 80's era, epic, soundtrack-like melodies and progressive song structures.

The album which features guest appearances from Slowdive's Neil Halstead (lead vocals on the song "Away"), Sweden's Promise And The Monster’s Billie Lindahl and Amiina's strings sections was recorded at Sundlaugin Studio, Iceland, with Sigur Rós producer Birgir Jón Birgisson who masterfully gave "Shelter" its light and ethereal sound.

Conceptually, the title of the album "Shelter" says it all. The record is about the concept of shelter as a safe place that allows everybody to escape reality for an instant, to reunite with what we really are, deep down. Neige's own shelter turned out to be the sea, as well as the tracks of this album, all inspired by and dedicated to it.

Release date: 17.01.2014
North-American release date. 21.01.2014

Well, it's also a French word, my good sir.

Also, it's obviously 2014 and not 2013.

I skipped the last album based on most opinions that it was a step down from his 2010 album, which ruled. I should give it a listen for myself, but this one grabbed my interest more just based on the direction.

I skipped the last album based on most opinions that it was a step down from his 2010 album, which ruled. I should give it a listen for myself, but this one grabbed my interest more just based on the direction.

Do they really spell that second song like that? Intentionally misspelling words in song titles just bugs the shit out of me.

I thought the 2 new songs they played live ("Opale" and "Délivrance") were pretty mediocre compared to their usual stuff. I guess I'll check it out but I don't have huge expectations or anything. I actually wish he would integrate more black metal elements since his screams are fucking nice.

Do they really spell that second song like that? Intentionally misspelling words in song titles just bugs the shit out of me.

Urgh, this artwork could easily double for a Linkin Park album cover. Who likes to look at a lens flare? Visually unappealing on every level but if that's what they're going for - mission accomplished.

That's priceless coming from someone from the U.S

When Tony originally posted the song's name, he left out the accent over the first e in Délivrance, hence my misunderstanding it.

Also, whoever needed that u in "color" anyway? Hell, my computer recognizes it as a misspelled word.

Seriously. I miss the Fursy Teyssier art.

Also, I can't unsee the Starfleet logo in the negative space of the arms.

This is fucked up, man

When it comes to Alcest live, they still need to do Ecailles de lunes Part 2. Why they don't do that is beyond me, as it would sound magnificent in a live setting.

Something says me that Im going to enjoy more KP´s album that this one, and by the way Katy is hot as hell.

Now seriously, I am not very hopeful about this album, I love the shoegaze/soft parts of Alcest but I need some balance between the heavier and the softest parts, between so much sugar a faster song with a distant bm influence and screams was more than welcomed. Now, Neige has skipped all bm influence, all screams and heaviness so I think this is going to be a failure for me, but perhaps I am wrong...

She's hot but don't bother with her new album. It sucks. I'm not hopeful of this album either. I used to be a big fan of Neil Halsted but he gets boring after a while. I don't think this is going to be a metal album. I mean influenced by CT and featuring Halsted, Sigur Ros and Amiina, this is going to be some sugary dream pop. Even though I enjoy some Beach House, dream pop doesn't work for me with male vocals. But you never know, I hope Neige surprises me