Chloe & The Brainwaves – Mind Running Wild (2023)
In our interview with Chloe & The Brainwaves, vocalist and guitarist Chloe Gardner shared that “music is my life, it’s the one thing that’s kept me here and gave me a purpose…”; this passion comes through in her powerful music. Joined by musicians Alex Baker (drums), Lewis Cooke (bass) and Michael Potts (guitar), Gardner stands alongside the Brainwaves releasing a hard-hitting brand of rock to the masses. While the UK-based group only began releasing music earlier in 2023 with their debut single ‘Expensive Things’, the foursome are turning heads across the globe. From France to Brazil, the UK, Australia and The Netherlands, Chloe & The Brainwaves are reaching audiences on an international scale.
Gardner, Potts, Cooke and Baker perform as Chloe & The Brainwaves at present, but they have all played in various bands since their teenage years. The sophistication of their experience is evident as they blend diverse styles tinged by various influences. A Joni Mitchell intensity breaks through in ‘Expensive Things’ with a soulful folk tone pulsating in a grunge-inspired melody. Produced by Steve Grainger, Oli Porter and mastering by Grant Berry, ‘Mind Running Wild’ follows the debut ‘Expensive Things’. Similar to ‘Expensive Things’, an enlightened elegance presents in the tune. Yet, as with the debut single, a rawness floods ‘Mind Running Wild’ capturing a sense of anxiety, vulnerability and whimsy.
Pounding drums match bold guitars with a steady bass building a soft, soothing melody. Working together in harmony, the rhythmic wave of sound carries you along a glistening sonic river. Interestingly, while the waves are calm, a tinge of tumultuousness flutters around the edges expressed through a soul-stirring tinkling of Gardner’s keys and percussion. Gardner’s bold vocals have a similarity to the intensity of Florence Welch as she holds you close on this unsuspectingly treacherous journey. Her silvery hand lifts and drops with an intricate complexity; however, she retains a stable calmness in the warm uncertainty.
One element I love about Chloe & The Brainwaves is how their songs align perfectly with the themes in both melody and lyrics. Unafraid to touch on the more provocative issues, ‘Mind Running Wild’ slips into the world of childhood trauma and how it affects individuals – like the trembling fear edging the glistening pool of sound. Gardner explains:
“’Mind Running Wild’ is about coming to terms with the trauma of psychological and sexual abuse endured as a child and the emptiness and shame it leaves behind. Through government cuts, funding to mental health services makes it impossible for victims to access the help they desperately need. They battle with addictions and misunderstood negative manifestations that follow them throughout adulthood… This song is a glimmer of hope for those people… You are not alone.”
For more from Chloe & The Brainwaves, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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