Some listeners hate In the Presence of Nothing because it sounds so similar to My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless. Other listeners like this album because it sounds so similar to My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless.

Of course, it’s not half as good as Loveless. Then again, most albums aren’t, shoegaze or not. Regardless, there are several strong, melodic tracks worth listening to that give credit to Lilys’s own songwriting talents. Besides, My Bloody Valentine’s influence on all shoegaze bands is practically unavoidable.

Anyone curious who thinks they can get past the not-so-shameful blatant influence of My Bloody Valentine will find one of the best albums of the ’90s shoegaze/dream pop scene. For those easily offended, perhaps pass this up for more distinct shoegaze albums such as Slowdive’s Soulvaki or Ride’s Nowhere.