"Illumination" is an album by the Scottish indie pop band, The Pastels. Released in 1997, it marked the band's return after a short hiatus since the release of "Mobile Safari" in 1995. The Pastels, formed in the early 1980s, are considered one of the pioneers of the indie pop movement in the UK.
"Illumination" was highly anticipated within the indie community and it didn't disappoint. It brought a fresh and mature touch to the band's previously raw, lo-fi sounds. The album features a mix of the group's typical jangling guitar-pop sound supplemented with orchestral pop, country-rock, and lo-fi experimental textures, cementing the group's place as an enduring presence in the indie pop realm. Its unique sound direction enhanced the group's place within the evolving music scene.
Critically acclaimed for its experimental approach and magical softer edge, "Illumination" had a significant impact on The Pastels’ overall musical journey. It encompasses various genres and the band's evolution in terms of lyrics and sound, making it an important part of The Pastels’ discography.
