What does Bryde sound like?

Quintessential indie rock with a whiff of Welsh farmyard charm.

The review of Bryde – Change Your Mind EP

Bryde has swung from her stunning chord-crunching solo debut ‘Like An Island‘ to the more complex and muddier lullabies of ‘The Volume of Things‘ as she shapeshifts from album to album. Both albums are great and showcase a singer-songwriter who since her band effort Paper Aeroplanes on hiatus, has been free to explore edgier sounds. Paper Aeroplanes is a softer, swaying indie rock sound and it’s interesting that Bryde’s new release zooms straight into this vibe for a tight and beautifully put-together EP.

Maybe it is because Sarah is comfortable recording back at a farm or perhaps it is because her bandmate Richard came to play on the record but this feels more Paper Aeroplanes than Bryde. That isn’t a criticism, but rather an audible observation. This EP leans into slower, melancholic melodies. ‘Bottles’ brings a hushed layered vocal, electronics that emulate an organ and an electric guitar hum like a gospel moment. The final third total upshift of percussive pace and ascension of electric guitar shifts the track’s momentum and vibe to something more desperate. The title track has big chords pulled back in a more acoustic rock setting, decorated with drums and electronics. Catchy and moody, it straddles a folk-tinged and indie pop to deliver an under-the-skin noodler that should be on heavy rotation on BBC Radio 6. The chorus is slyly underplayed and it works a treat.

The electric piano and guitar interplay of ‘But I Come Back Down’ is what sells this softer gliding track. The light synth strings simmer over all the intricate guitar work and so its complexity requires a few listens to appreciate. When you add in all the vocal layering, direct chord and riff progressions and radio-friendly sound, it’s like peeking back to Sarah’s earlier catalogue. The closing track ‘A Way’ is a spaghetti western of a song. The production on the fretted string plucks is singed and burnt out to sound dry and dusty and caustic fiddle strokes add to the tension. The track is waiting to buckle and is so satisfying when Bryde lets go with rousing vocals and a grand slam finale, everything feels earned and cathartic on the payoff.

Whilst I’ve probably spent too much time comparing ‘Change Your Mind’ to Sarah’s band efforts, it’s because it sounds like it belongs there. What is totally undeniable is that Bryde has a commanding musical presence. In just four songs Bryde moves from catch indie pop to dusty western drama via brooding alternative rock with ease. It sounds cohesive, effortless and rich in passion and flavour. A bit like a drink you haven’t had for ages and then get the taste for again. Solid, top tier indie pop without the fuss and with all the talent.

Recommended track: Change Your Mind

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