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Bristol

Chandra’s Lighters to the Sky is a pop punk-hooked hit for the dreamers

Posted on 2 May 2023
https://soundcloud.com/listentochandra/lighters-to-the-sky/s-JjGxeKmioBv?si=ee8aab36962d40619a6fa6a62f049fe9&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Holding your lighters in the air at rock shows might be a slightly nostalgic way to signify how much a hit has touched your soul, but it’s a pretty fitting parable for the vintage rock aesthetics in Chandra’s latest single, Lighters to the Sky, which will throw you right back to the early 00s.

If you can imagine what Glen Hansard’s single, Falling Slowly, would sound like if it was boldly augmented with pop-punk hooks, you’ll get a great idea of the songwriting chops the Bristol, UK-based solo artist possesses.

Lyrically, Lighters to the Sky is an ode to the big dreamers whose visions are often met with cynicism from people with smaller ambitions. It is a stunning reminder that no one will ever be able to see the future you’re painting in your mind until you reach your respective top and exhibit it all for all to see.

Lighters to the Sky will officially release on April 28. Stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Miss Kill sharpened their knives in their evocatively jagged alt-90s revival EP, Don’t Tell Me Twice

Posted on 18 September 2022

Few artists create a route back to the 90s as creatively as the Bristol sister duo, Miss Kill. Their debut EP, Don’t Tell Me Twice, hits the sonic Seattle mark just as well as it channels the emotional energy of the golden era of raw, sludgy anthems.

I’ve seen countless bios attesting to the influence of Hole, Pearl Jam and Placebo from artists too evocatively inadept to revive that clawingly consuming candour, not Miss Kill. Even the non-lexical vocals are a skeleton key to insecure soul. Each track on the 5-track release affirms the power of their tenaciously heart-breaking songwriting talent that feels so viscerally comforting in a time of such little relative comfort.

One of the lead singles from the EP, All You Gotta Do, kicks up a tumultuous storm of frustration around artful alt-rock instrumentals while the vocals unfalteringly stretch across the melancholic landscape that deserves to be firmly implanted on the playlists you turn to in protest to the exhausting unfulfillment of life and everything it has to throw at you.

Don’t Tell Me Twice was officially released on September 16th. Sink into it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Bristol’s Dolly Doo just wants that one tender kiss to go so slow and seductive on ‘Medusa’

Posted on 24 March 2022

As she tries not to stare and let her heart open too far wide again and get let down like last time, Dolly Doo is quite sensational on this kiss-filled new single all about wanting to be close to that sweet crush on ‘Medusa‘.

Dolly Doo is a Bristol, UK-based indie alternative artist who has the kind of vocal ability and lyrical awareness that sends your imagination into a whole new galaxy.

”Drawing on metaphors lyrically, Dolly Doo connects stories of the past with the present that evoke feelings of nostalgia, loss and heartbreak in a contemporary light.” ~ Dolly Doo

Sending her potential new lover a heartfelt message that is heard loud and clear, Dolly Doo is unquestionably immaculate with a wonderfully electric display that will catch your attention and have your tender lips tingling with anticipation.

‘Medusa‘ from Bristol, UK-based indie alternative artist Dolly Doo, is a superb single that is one of the most sensual gems you might hear all year. This is the message of wanting that one sweet kiss that might open up so many doors, to that romantic night that could change everything and cause sparks to fly all evening. With a sizzling vocalist on fire who seems to only be getting better after each release as her self-awareness grows – this is an ear-shaker beyond comprehension – that will possibly have you blushing as you dream about that passionate moment you have desired forever.

Listen to her wonderful new creation on Spotify and check out her stunning IG for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Irish RnB artist Sarah O’Moore returns with a special single about keeping your inner peace on ‘All In My Head’

Posted on 16 March 2022

With a vocal ability that reminds one somewhat of the late great Amy Winehouse, Sarah O’Moore shows us all the way into how she is feeling in this strange world on her latest single that is named, ‘All In My Head‘.

Sarah O’Moore is an Irish RnB/soul indie singer-songwriter who grew up listening to and being inspired by legends such as Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Van Morrison.

”Borrowing from her Corkonian roots, Sarah’s songs carry the dark underbelly of societal demise and her hybrid fusion of rich lyricism and melodic roots make her a touchstone for current times.” ~ Sarah O’Moore

With her debut EP ‘social paralysis‘ due for a release later on in 2022, Sarah O’Moore is at her best here with a glorious single that is projected with so much class and features a beat that is perfect for her style. There is nothing rushed here, as the energy transmits a gloriously calm flow that has you tanning in the rays of such excellence throughout this wonderful new release.

‘All In My Head‘ from Bristol, UK-based RnB/soul artist Sarah O’Moore, sends us into a whole new world with vocals so dreamy you might feel like closing your eyes and going into a better place. In a story all about knowing that you need to block out the noise of the small-minded who love to finger point, she sings with such genuine care and love. This is the kind of song that interlaces your consciousness from the cold into the warmth, from someone rather uniquely brilliant who needs to be cherished forever. A true underground Queen awaits our support.

Hear this new single on Spotify and support her creative energy on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Bristol’s The Inside wishes to be lost in space with the transfixing release, ‘Misery’

Posted on 13 February 2022

As he feels so disconnected from the existing world that makes no sense to his smart mind, The Inside floats up above and takes his precious consciousness away from all the madness that seems to numb all over his body on ‘Misery‘.

The Inside is a Bristol, UK-based indie singer-songwriter, rapper and music producer who is inspired by legendary artists such as Frank Ocean and the late greats Mac Miller and David Bowie.

”A music nerd devoted to studying melodies and lyrics, The Inside mood swinging music is a mix of alternative pop, art-rock and experimental hip hop in a cluster grenade of sound.” ~ The Inside

Ultimately, the compelling vocals and transformative class of The Inside is something to truly treasure. There is a mystique here that is rather remarkable, as he carefully takes us for a thought-provoking expedition that is such a mind-bending mission we can all enjoy no matter what our tastes in music are.

‘Misery‘ from Bristol, UK-based indie singer-songwriter, rapper and music producer The Inside, is the call for everything to be fine again as something is clearly not right. This is an experimental track of the very highest order – with an artist who sends us into another galaxy – as he dreams of something better than he currently sees while transmitting a track that is so rich in such distinct quality you just have to strap in and enjoy the ride.

Hear this deep experience on Spotify and see more of the story on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Lies Through Your Head: Bristol’s Enter Red are quite first-class on ‘De Novo’

Posted on 14 November 2021

With a vibrantly terrific vibe that forms spectacularly through your thoughtful mind, Enter Red bust angrily through the creaky door and show us their world-class appeal with ‘De Novo‘.

Enter Red is a thrilling four-piece indie alt-rock act from Bristol in the UK. They skillfully make a distinctive blend of that desirable music for the soul to reside inside, that you just want to let your hair down to and jump up and down like it was 2019 all over again.

Goodness me. Enter Red are the type of UK band that leaves your whole ecstatic body sweating from their ferocious energy that seems to transform your spirit, to a whole new state of appreciation for such a talented outfit.

‘De Novo‘ from the exuberant Bristol-based indie alt-rock band Enter Red, is a rip-roaring effort from a terrific group that is certainly headed to a whole new level. You can feel the rooted passion flowing through their blood-thirsty veins on each second here, with a tasty edge that has you thinking that they might be your new favourite rock band. The class is easy to spot and the eloquently desirably vocals stand out from the rest, as the tight-knit crew certainly deliver in all facets with a truly brilliant new single.

Hear this top new effort on their Spotify and see more news via the band’s IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

It’s Gone: Bristol’s Laura Dia shows us into her emotional disorientation after a lost love with beautiful debut track ‘What Now’

Posted on 25 October 2021

As she slowly dries out her tears that have caused her once-happy mood to change from the ray of sunshine of before when she was deeply in love, newcomer Laura Dia is rather special and shows us that she needs to be heard on her outstanding debut single ‘What Now‘.

Laura Dia is a youthful Nigerian-born, Bristol, UK-based Alt-RnB/Soul artist and music producer who sings with a stunning air of exceptional calmness and inspiring grace.

Laura is a fairly new artist but displays so much authentic maturity on such a spellbinding track, which leaves your mouth open in awe and your heart sizzling with heartfelt emotions you can’t quite explain but just deeply feel. Her voice is pure and smooth – each lyric seems to fill your mind with a clear picture of what she is projecting to us – as she sings with such elegance and sadness, about her empty heart being shattered, like fragile glass all over the dusty floor.

‘What Now‘ from the the soulful Bristol Alt-RnB solo artist Laura Dia, is that special debut that sparks a wide range of feelings you either forgot you had, or didn’t know you possessed. This is all about that odd spell you feel under when you are suddenly alone after a ravishing relationship, that certainly burnt you as you sooth your scarred body in a calming cold bath. You know you will be okay but it stings so harshly, as you look sullenly into the broken mirror and shed a small tear again.

This is the time to heal, as you wonder where your next journey shall lead you.

Hear this compelling single on her Spotify and find out more about your new favorite UK RnB artist via her IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chrissie Huntley celebrates self-love with her uplifting RnB pop hit, ‘Me, Myself and I’.

Posted on 1 July 2021
Chrissie Huntley

Chrissie Huntley is set to bring swathes of class to the UK RnB pop scene with the release of her latest single, Me, Myself and I. Introverts; you’re going to want to make it a playlist staple.

For all too long, extroverts have dominated the airwaves. Chrissie Huntley’s angelic pop hit switches the narrative and gives the listener permission to surrender to some self-love and start looking for validation and satisfaction from within.

Sinking into the celestially uplifting single that is underscored by jazzy tones is made all too easy. With the effortless finesse found in Chrissie Huntley’s vocal notes, and the sense of realism in the lyrics, you get that relatable girl-next-door-vibe, paired with a first-class vocal performance that you would expect from the likes of Nina Simone, Alicia Keys and Beyonce.

Before the pandemic hit, Chrissie headlined the O2 Academy in Bristol, performed twice on BBC 1 Regional News Show – which amassed 2 million viewers – and provided a stellar performance in the House of Commons in aid of National Grief Awareness week. In this early stage in her career, her accolades are already endless.

Check out Chrissie Huntley on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Please Stay: Soulfully sweet Bristol singer-songwriter Chrissie Huntley holds on but knows she shouldn’t on the outstanding ‘Supposed To Be’

Posted on 8 May 2021

After a one year hiatus to replenish her sound and to make a few tweaks to what she wanted the world to hear, Chrissie Huntley eagerly returns with absolute aplomb, on her angelic new single that tells us how its ‘Supposed To Be’.

Chrissie Huntley is a wonderful honey-tipped Soul/pop singer-songwriter based in Bristol, England. She sings so beautifully with a calm edge of pureness that is so rare to find, on a heart-racing single that was recorded with upcoming songwriter/producer, Laurence Fazakerley Buglass.

“‘Supposed to Be’ is one of the first songs I ever wrote when I was a teenager and I just got dumped by the guy who I thought was supposed to be “the one”. I think we’ve all been in that position where you know that it’s over, but you just want to hold on and pretend just a little while longer. ” – Chrissie Huntley

After beating her previous anxiousness to leave the house a few years ago, she was inspired to help others with her incredible #LetsTalkAboutIt campaign. This much-needed cause helps tremendously with spreading the word to as many willing ears as possible — about how mental health needs to be spoken about much more to tear off the stigma — to help those who are feeling wrapped down with plastic inside their hearts and minds, and need a hand to breakout from within.

Her stunning vocals and romantic daydreaming memories about a past love on ‘Supposed To Be’, fills you up with so much reflective wonder — as you close your eyes gently — and let her carefully take you on an honest journey whilst holding your hand, through her feelings of knowing that this relationship has ended. You hold on tight as you love them dearly, you need their tender touch, and the way they romantically caress your hair makes you smile so much — however the time has come to part — as you deeply wish that this sweet moment could stay as innocent as it was before, forever and ever.

‘Supposed To Be’ from the superb Bristol Soul/pop singer-songwriter Chrissie Huntley, bursts through the door to open up a new light, to show us that music really does heal all scars no matter how deep they are. Her sole aim of making people who listen a little bit happier and peachier, has certainly been achieved.

It feels like Chrissie Huntley is only starting to open her wings, with so much beauty and elegance still to come. Genuine souls can win too, if they can fly free.

Hear this awe-inspiring new single that will warm your heart on Spotify and see her IG music page for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Alex Bright defies convention with his symphonically visceral electronica album ‘Building’.

Posted on 24 April 2021
Alex Bright

Bristol-based artist and producer Alex Bright is set to release his album, Building, which obliterates the notion of genre and introduces the lister to pure uninhibited electronically-crafted expression.

From neo-classic increments to symphonically cinematic scores complemented with pulsing bass to experimentation with elements of nature; you will find it all on the absorbing 7-track release. Alex Bright isn’t afraid to paint across the tonal spectrum, mischievously throwing together light and dark textures to create stunning sense of utopic/dystopic duality.

With such scarcity of reminiscence,  eclecticism of style and veracity of emotion, Alex Bright’s sound expresses what words cannot, making my job impossibly hard but gratifying all the same. Discovering exceptional producers who defy convention and can still speak to you on a primal level don’t crop up every day.

You can check out Alex Bright on his YouTube Channel and by heading over to Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast