Track Of The Day: CIEL – ‘All My Life’

A shimmering celebration of introversion, Brighton-based alt-pop trio CIEL have shared their latest single ‘All My Life’. Produced by Iggy B (John Grant, Spiritualized, Ghostpoet), the new track marks the band’s transition into poppier territory with its ambient guitars, dreamy synths and uplifting vocals.

“I have always been quite shy and a very introverted person,” explains CIEL’s frontwoman Michelle Hindricks. “Although I love parties and hanging out with other people, I need a lot of time for myself and to be able to do things at my own pace too. ‘All My Life’ is about finding your way into the world, which can be quite loud and fast-paced when you’re a more soft-spoken person and realising that you can make a difference in a more subtle way, and stand in your power that way.” Hindrik’s patient approach is epitomised in her tentative, clear vocal delivery.

Formed of Hindriks, Jorge Bela Jimenez (guitar, synthesiser, bass) and Tim Spencer (drums), CIEL came together after Hindriks relocated to Brighton from The Netherlands. After releasing their debut EP Movement earlier this year, the trio are now working on new material that showcases their softer side.

Listen to ‘All My Life’ below.

 

Follow CIEL on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Julia Nala

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: LIME – ‘Fever’

A fuzzy, disco-infused indie tune that softly probes at the absurdity of modern life, Brighton-based band LIME have shared their latest single ‘Fever’. Filled with dance-able beats and catchy lyrics, the track is a dive into the mind of generation Z, playfully questioning their efforts to impress each other via jangly guitars and grooving bass lines.

“Why should I get up when I’d rather be in bed?” asks LIME’s lead vocalist Chloe Howard at the beginning of the song. It’s a sentiment that resonates stronger during the current UK lockdown, but the slinky saxophone and jazzy electronics soothe the sting of this reality. Howard’s rhetorical questions – “Why should I do my make-up when it’s all inside my head?” and “Why should I be up when the rest of us are down?” – have a relatable buzz, and her sardonic delivery is underscored by the band’s buoyant percussion.

Formed of Howard (vocals/guitar), Leila Deeley (guitar), Tippi Morgan (bass) and Annabel Whittle (drums), LIME met whilst studying in Brighton. Like many bands, their plans to play shows to crowds this November have been cancelled, but they will be sharing a live session alongside Katy J Pearson recorded at the Battersea Arts Centre for The Close Encounter Club on 19th November (more details on how to subscribe here.)

Listen to ‘Fever’ below.

 

Follow LIME on bandcamp, Facebook, Spotify, Twitter & Instagram for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: ARXX – ‘Call Me Crazy’

Following the release of last year’s EP Wrong Girl Honey, and 2018’s debut Daughters Of Daughters, total faves ARXX are back with a poignant new offering. 

Whilst ‘Call Me Crazy’ may be a bit of a change in tone for the Brighton duo, it loses none of the emotion-strewn power we’ve come to know and love. Showcasing Hanni and Clara’s more reflective side, it offers a heartfelt offering reflecting on mental health struggles, at a time when this topic is more resonant than ever before. 

Whilst dealing with an affecting subject, however, ARXX manage to create a truly uplifting and instantly catchy empowering anthem. Propelled by the gritty, soulful drive of Hanni’s vocals, sweeping, twinkling hooks shine through, as it builds in emotive splendour to an epic, pop-strewn ballad. Of the track, Hanni explains:

“It’s a happy pop song about the trials and tribulations of living with depression. The chorus is an internal dialogue about getting stuck in your head and forgetting to enjoy life. It’s a very personal insight into my experiences with mental health.”

Showcasing their refusal to be pigeon-holed into one genre, here ARXX prove that they’re just as skilled at creating exquisite, heart-string-tugging alt-pop as they are ferocious grunge-fuelled bangers. ‘Call Me Crazy’ is testament to a band forever evolving, honing their craft to develop a rich and eclectic back-catalogue; continuously refining their sound and, in the process, consistently continuing to win my heart, retaining their position as the most impressive power duo around.

 

‘Call Me Crazy’ is out now.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Kaleido Shoots

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Track Of The Day: HANYA – ‘Texas’

Having charmed us on more than one occasion playing for us live, and with acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music’s Steve LaMacq and The Quietus, Brighton band HANYA return with a beautiful new single.

Propelled by a dreamy haze, ‘Texas’ flows with twinkling hooks and the soaring, effervescent vocals of front person Heather Sheret. With shades of the lush surf-pop of Real Estate or Best Coast, it’s a shimmering slice of exquisite indie-pop oozing a blissful tranquility and spellbinding ethereal splendour. The perfect soundtrack to soothe these post-summer blues. Of the track, the band explain:

“‘Texas’ was entirely written and recorded during lockdown, experimenting with working remotely as a group. The track explores the startings of a relationship – the head-over-heels uncertainty, the self-doubt and the desire to know each other entirely.”

 

‘Texas’ is out now. Listen here.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Jessie Morgan

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