For anyone who hasn’t realised yet, indie is well and truly back! Across the last few years, the UK guitar music movement has found itself in the midst of renaissance, and its reinvention feels without ceiling, as striking new artists pop up left, right and centre. Leading the charge is the endoscopic talents of Nieve Ella, the West Midlands singer-songwriter who has just shared her third EP, “Watch It Ache and Bleed” via AWAL Recordings.
Her most accomplished work yet, the new EP from the rising talent flows effortlessly through its eight-pronged track-list with a saccharine seamlessness, Ella’s endearing songwriting and expression-filled vocal showings full of energy and character. Boasting anthemic indie cuts and down tempo acoustic numbers alike, it’s a rounded and emotionally potent project that cements Ella’s acclaim as one of UK indie’s brightest sparks. She’ll be taking the EP out on tour next year too, with an 18-date headline tour announced to kick off in February 2025.
To dive a little deeper into the impressive opus, Wonderland asked Ella to round up the songs she had On Repeat whilst creating it.
Listen to “Watch It Ache and Bleed”…
Check out Nieve’s On Repeat…
Lizzy McAlpine – “Better Than This”
I relate to the lyrics of this one too much. it feels like a mirror into my life.
Leif Vollebekk – “Rock and Roll”
Releases a lot of nostalgic feelings for me. I used to listen to Leif a lot in a past relationship.
Die Twice – “The Art of Dying
A band I saw at Boardmasters that I instantly fell in love with. This is their new song.
Fred Roberts – “Get it Over With”
My best friend’s new single – gotta plug my boy. It’s actually a good song and very catchy.
Wunderhorse – “Emily”
From my favourite album of the year and the melodies are perfect.
Humble the Great – “find your own”
Makes me feel like i’m in a forest dancing around. It has a very warm and autumnal feeling.
Blur – “Beetlebum”
A classic sexy rock anthem. Makes me feel hot and confident.
Gengahr – “Fill My Gums With Blood”
I love the singer’s voice and it’s so cute and bouncy.
Henry Mancini – Gorgeous and Guilty”
“reminds me of being on tour with inhaler. they used one of the composer’s songs ‘lujon’ as their walk on music”
Lizzy McAlpine – “Pushing It Down and Praying”
Doesn’t need explaining. It’s perfectly heartbreaking and encapsulates a very relatable feeling.