Super Deluxe, released in 1995, is the type of album that slowly pulls you in and refuses to let go. Like its sibling shoegaze album Silver from Starflyer 59, it creates a dreamy, space, alt-rock atmosphere that feels as if you're falling through the clouds of melodic writing with cascades of haunting melodies.

The album opens with "Hang Out," an ambient, reflective tale, telling the story of watching someone you love spiraling into the endless depths of mental health, becoming a stranger, a figment of who they once were. It questions the person you once thought you knew, and addresses the heartbreak that comes along with the realization, in the lyrics, "Do you ever hang out? You don't sound stoked as of late. I knew someone who reminds me of you." The atmospheric opening, combined with melodic-tinged guitars, adds another layer of depth to this track.

In this album, we find themes of love, trials, and faith, packaged up with a bow of emotional melodies. Following the melodic opener, "Lush of Spring" takes us on a slow descent in the beginning, before letting us free-fall into the chorus with interstellar-like synthesizers and electronic touches. Sydney's haunting, layered vocals provide the signature ambient feel to the song. The next track, "Wonder Boy," would take a more subtle approach, going on to detail the simplicity of young love: "It's easy just to talk. Nothing awkward and nothing far. Your sunshine has lasted long."

"Superstar" is one of the album's heavier moments, opening with a punk-inspired riff, adding an emphasis on emotion, transitioning into a slower atmospheric-gaze sound. The vocals lean into an emotionally charged edge, reminiscent of Gwen Stefani's vocal styling in No Doubt, creating the cornerstone for this song. "Superstar" then slowly fades into the next track, "Oceania," which is a soft, slow, lullaby/trance-like song. Reflecting the peace and stillness we find in Christ, the track builds upon itself with Sydney's harmonizing vocals, which seamlessly flow into surreal, calming instrumentals.

Exploring the journey life has to offer, the next track, "Fuzzle Kiss," is a song that reminds the listener to stop and smell the roses. This track follows a soft but emotionally heavy progression, like earlier track "Wonder Boy." This song understands the art of healing, grounding, and taking a breather.

Taking a turn in sound, the track "Puppy Luv" tells the ever-common story of being infatuated and high on love, "I just took hold of you. I squeezed you tight till you turn blue." The soft sing-talk lyrics, paired with heavily distorted guitars, could be compared to Starflyer's "Hazel Would," not only in sound, but also in lyrical theme, explaining the crave for true connection and personal identity.

Like the earlier track, "Lush of Spring," the track "Glowing Green" is an ethereal yet grounded piece. "Glowing Green" is lyrically simple, yet impactful. This track explores life's hardships, like heartbreak and forgiveness, like a warm hug in a cold wet winter, comforting those who ache.

As we find ourselves at the end of the album, both tracks, "Star Gazer" and "Curl," are beautifully atmospheric and raw, but hard to understand. Due to the dream-like vocal styling, it's the type of album that invites you to revisit the lyrics in order to truly connect. Though I don't find it a problem personally, as other shoegaze songs can be stylized this way, it can be an issue for others wanting a more in-depth connection to certain tracks. Another problem I find with this album is the instrumentals drowning out the vocals. Instead of blending seamlessly, at points it feels as if the vocals are being drowned out.

Although Morella's Forest is rooted in the Christian shoegaze scene, it's a significant stepping stone within the genre of shoegaze and resonates regardless of one's faith. With all being said, I give this album 4/5 stars; it's atmospheric, emotional, and gritty.

Review date: 4/21/2025, written by Madison Paradysz for Jesusfreakhideout.com