Netflix has officially unveiled plans for a new 10-episode documentary series celebrating one of the most influential bands of the shoegaze and dream pop era — Lush. Titled “Ethereal Waves: The Lush Story,” the series promises to take viewers deep into the atmospheric soundscapes, emotional intensity, and groundbreaking creativity that defined the band’s journey from underground icons to global cult favorites. Fans of ’90s alternative music and newcomers alike can expect an intimate, beautifully crafted look at a group whose shimmering guitars and haunting vocals helped shape an entire genre.
The series begins by tracing Lush’s origins in London’s late-’80s indie scene, where childhood friends Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson joined forces to create something raw, emotional, and sonically distinct. Viewers will see how the band’s early days were fueled by DIY energy, feminist ideals, and a shared love of experimentation — elements that set them apart from their contemporaries. Through rare archival footage, the documentary captures the energy of those first live shows, where walls of sound met poetic vulnerability in a way few had heard before.
As the episodes unfold, the focus shifts to Lush’s rise during the shoegaze explosion of the early ’90s. The documentary delves into their iconic releases such as Gala, Spooky, and Split, albums that cemented the band’s reputation for lush harmonies, swirling guitar textures, and emotionally charged lyrics. Interviews with producers, journalists, and fellow musicians paint a vivid picture of how Lush stood at the crossroads between the dreamy introspection of shoegaze and the melodic immediacy of Britpop.
Netflix promises to offer a balanced mix of nostalgia and revelation. The filmmakers have secured never-before-seen studio footage and personal recordings that showcase the band’s creative process — from crafting ethereal soundscapes to navigating the pressures of sudden fame. There’s also a candid exploration of the challenges Lush faced as women in a male-dominated industry, revealing the resilience and authenticity that made their voices so vital to the alternative music movement.
Beyond the music, “Ethereal Waves: The Lush Story” dives into the personal relationships and emotional complexities that defined the band’s evolution. It doesn’t shy away from the hardships — from internal struggles to the devastating loss of drummer Chris Acland in 1996, which led to the band’s initial breakup. Through these moments, the series finds its emotional heart, showing how the members of Lush processed grief, rediscovered themselves, and ultimately found closure through their reunion two decades later.
The visual style of the series mirrors Lush’s sound — dreamy, layered, and immersive. Archival performance clips are seamlessly blended with newly filmed interviews, atmospheric reenactments, and modern reflections from the band. Netflix’s creative team has described the documentary as “a love letter to the sound of dreams and distortion,” aiming to honor the band’s legacy while introducing their artistry to new generations.
Fans can also expect appearances from key figures in the alternative music world, discussing Lush’s influence on later acts and the lasting imprint of their sonic experimentation. The narrative builds toward their triumphant reunion shows in 2016, where nostalgia met renewal, and audiences rediscovered why Lush’s music still resonates so deeply today.
“Ethereal Waves: The Lush Story” is set to premiere globally on Netflix in 2026. As anticipation grows, this series is poised to become more than a band documentary — it’s a cinematic reflection on artistry, friendship, and the fragile beauty of sound that continues to echo long after the final note fades.
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