New Music: Bleary – sugar splint

Ahead of their full-length debut, Little Brain, this May, Bleary treat us to the sweet and sour candy sounds of sugar splint.

Bleary don’t hide the 90s roots of their music, but as much as the lyrics mention nostalgia, sugar splint isn’t a straightforward visit to the past. But then can any such visit be without risk?

They do play with the roots of shoegaze and indie rock on both sides of the Atlantic, the guitars smoothly flowing from Slowdive reverie to Nirvana-like roars of anxiety. It’s as if someone took that slice of time when you’re on a roller coaster, perfect stillness just before the rush of noise, movement, and a bit of excitement hits you, and then turned it into an epic rock song.

I don’t think that Bleary are of little brain, but they are definitely full of heart and have a fresh take on well-loved genres. If you’re missing someone, maybe send them this song.

You can stream sugar splint and the band’s follow-up single, bug, on Bandcamp and Spotify. For updates on Little Brain, follow Bleary on Instagram.