Altogether

Slowdive's 'Altogether' is a mesmerizing exploration of emotional disconnection and the search for unity. The song opens with a direct address to a 'Sleepyhead,' a term that evokes a sense of lethargy and detachment. This character seems to be drifting away, both physically and emotionally, as the narrator struggles to catch their eye. Despite this distance, the repeated reassurance that 'it's alright, we're altogether' suggests a longing for connection and a belief in the possibility of unity, even amidst separation.

The lyrics convey a dreamlike quality, with the narrator reflecting on past events that now seem like a distant memory. The line 'It broke my heart, but then I guess you didn't know' hints at unspoken pain and unacknowledged emotions. This sense of unfulfilled communication is further emphasized when the narrator sees the 'Sleepyhead' talking but cannot hear their words. The repetition of 'it's alright, we're altogether' serves as a mantra, perhaps a way for the narrator to cope with the emotional distance and maintain a sense of hope.

Musically, Slowdive's signature shoegaze style enhances the ethereal and introspective nature of the song. The lush, reverb-drenched guitars and hazy vocals create an immersive soundscape that mirrors the lyrical themes of disconnection and yearning. The refrain 'So tired, you're so right, I'm so tired, it's alright tonight' encapsulates the exhaustion and resignation felt by the narrator, yet also offers a glimmer of solace in the shared experience of weariness. 'Altogether' ultimately captures the complex interplay between isolation and the desire for emotional closeness, wrapped in a dreamy, sonic embrace.