Bar Pandora is the stage name for UK alt-pop artist Charlie Tophill. The project began back in 2021 and was named after a literary cafe in Madrid where Charlie would spend time with friends, talking about life over wine. Bar Pandora specialises in drum machines, light synths, interesting vocals and not following the obvious melodic routes. In many ways, the project reminds me of a further left-of-the-middle Sylvan Esso.
‘The Model’ is Bar Pandora’s latest single and it’s my favourite one to date. It gently noodles away unassumingly and is deceptively catchy. The song is inspired by Charlie’s own experiences of not wanting to be defined by trying circumstances or complex backgrounds.
I don’t think you should ignore or deny bad experiences, but you shouldn’t model your whole identity around them either. Don’t constantly remind yourself that you’re damaged. You’ll only feel hopeless.
Bar Pandora
This single is Charlie making a deal with herself to say no to living in the shadows. Enjoy the visualiser for the single below. ‘The Model’ is out now. For more information on all things Bar Pandora, visit her website where details of a forthcoming EP will be coming soon.
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