Chandra is an exciting new indie-pop quartet hailing from Bristol. With the enigmatic titular frontman, Chandra Naiir, leading from the center, this four-piece makes a name for itself with passion-filled songwriting bursting with lyricism and glistening melodies. From multiple influences, it would appear that Chandra has managed to develop a real gift for composing vibrantly appealing arrangements. Backed by his supremely skilled members, Chris Wing, Keith Jones, and Rock Cheung, Chandra takes individual insights and turns them into totally relatable rock anthems.
On their debut “Lifted” EP, Chandra uncovers their sound of fuzzy indie-pop for the modern era. This vision of emotionally rich, yet buoyant songwriting from the band comes together over six polished tracks.
It’s all kicked off with “Smile (No Fox Gibbon)”, a glistening slice of happiness. Majestic guitars bubble under soaring vocals delivering a buoyant, beaming sound right through the speakers. It’s an irresistible start with an infectious positive sense.
Track two “Pretty” goes a little deeper. Graceful strumming gives way to introspective words, pontificating on social pressure to visually conform. But the chorus is where the answer is: one does not hide one’s true self when knowing internal beauty will always be more radiant than the exterior. The melody takes the meditation to light-filled places and affirms the right to feel comfortable in one’s appearance. Third cut: “I’ll Be There” keeps a sunny tune, as fingers dance across the electric strings. Midpoint, “Lifted” erupts with glinting arpeggios carrying airy vocals high. Like notes cascading down like rays bursting through clouds, sparks of guitar light the way.
Next up is the anthemic rocker “Lighters To The Sky.” Right from the opening chord, this captures both intensity and focus. A pulsating drive persists underneath solos that stretch enthusiastically, though peaking and then falling as deliberately as it rises. The album closes ceremoniously with “Overload,” where intimacy is brought down to a whisper. The song takes form with the picking of an acoustic finger, and slowly the textures blossom, and there rises this beautiful melody of cinematic beauty. The tone just oozes quiet power, leaving this collection to rest on a note of gracefully bold assurance.
Always on the lookout for new indie artists, I found myself over the moon about Chandra. Their bouncy melodies and lyrics drew me right in. I guess it’s because of being a first-time listener when one gets hooked by tracks like “Smile (No Fox Gibbon)” and “Lighters To The Sky”. True, Chandra is exceptionally skilled at making anthem tunes.
Rarely do I encounter a new band that, on first listen, strikes so many of the right chords. And yet here I am, already checking out when the group’s next releases will be, so enamored have I become with this self-titled EP. I highly recommend streaming “Lifted” for one of the earliest tastes of this hugely promising new group. Chandra is well on their way to well-deserved popularity with fans of thoughtful indie-rock music.