The shoegaze “canon” be damned; In Ribbons is objectively the best Pale Saints album—much, much better than The Comforts of Madness. The thing that killed the shoegaze movement was the fact that many bands thought all you had to do was step on effects pedals and find a pretty noise so you wouldn’t have to bother writing any actual songs underneath it.

Pale Saints, however, are ace songwriters, and In Ribbons contains some of the most ace songwriting of ’90s alternative rock. Meriel Barham and Ian Masters have gorgeous voices, and subtle sonic tricks with unconventional instruments for the genre such as glockenspiels and synthesizers subtly appear beneath the clear, ocean-blue guitar textures so naturally that you may not even notice them. Structural dynamics abound. It’s all beautiful, and listening to this album feels like you’re swimming through a bright, clean pool. Go cleanse yourself; you’re dirtier than you think.

Addendum: This is a prime shoegaze album for nocturnal listening. If you’re having a decent night, try putting In Ribbons on. If you’re nostalgic try …XYZ, and if you’re lonely try Vortura.