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About
Childhood is an English band originating from London, characterized by their evolution from dream pop and shoegaze to a more soulful sound. Initially formed in 2011 by Ben Romans-Hopcraft (vocals, guitar) and Leo Dobsen (guitar) while at university, the group expanded to include Jonny Williams (bass) and Dan Salamans (drums), with Thomas Tomaski later replacing Salamans and Max Danieli-Fantin joining the lineup. Their debut album, Lacuna, was notable for its dub-infused, psychedelic soundscapes, while their follow-up, Universal High, marked a stylistic shift towards the influences of classic soul and rare groove, drawing inspiration from artists like Curtis Mayfield and The Isley Brothers.
How to Sound Like Childhood
Childhood's sound is distinguished by its lush, melodic textures and evolving sonic landscapes. In their earlier work, the band embraced swirling, reverb-laden guitar lines typical of shoegaze, creating immersive soundscapes that combined with dreamy, ethereal vocals. To capture this atmospheric quality, musicians can experiment with reverb and modulation effects, such as chorus and phaser pedals, to achieve that expansive, dreamy tone. As their style evolved, the band integrated warmer, soul-infused elements, focusing on tight, rhythmic grooves and smooth, melodic bass lines. Achieving this requires an emphasis on clean guitar tones and subtle rhythmic intricacies, often supported by vintage-style amps to bring out the warmth and richness reminiscent of classic soul recordings. The drums maintain a groovy, laid-back feel, underpinning the compositions with a sense of effortless cool and dynamic flair.
