EP Review: Nieve Ella - 'Watch It Ache and Bleed'
Watch It Ache And Bleed: a unique blend of pop and 90s rock from the rising indie star.
Nieve Ella, the 21 year old singer-songwriter, keeps rising with her latest EP, "Watch It Ache And Bleed”. An impressive project that follows the success of her previous releases EPs, “Young & Naive” and “Lifetime of Wanting”.
The 8 track EP showcases her unique blend of pop and 90s rock influences while exploring the complexities of relationships, personal struggles, and self discovery. Recorded in DYE spaces between Finsbury Park and Maidenhead, Ella collaborated with musicians Iain Berryman, Finn Marlow, Jamie Rendle, and Hugo Hardy in the project that feels both intimate and expansive. This EP not only solidifies her status as a rising star and indie darling but also highlights her artistic journey, offering listeners a deeper understanding of her music.
The EP opens with "Anything," a track defined by heavy guitar riffs and haunting vocal melodies. Setting the tone of the rest of the EP, Ella talks about the struggles of dealing with an uncommunicative partner, she sings "I've been trying to figure out when you want me / Rip my heart open / Watch it ache and bleed". Transitioning into "Sugarcoated," Ella uses playful wordplay to address the pressures of the music industry. It is an upbeat tempo track about missing what you once were and the confusion and toxicity that comes with newfound fame.
In "The Things We Said," Ella delves into the often difficulties of friendships. Written after a fight with her best friend, the song shows the more vulnerable side of non romantic relationships. Musically, It features a more stripped-back arrangement, allowing her vocals to shine. "The Reason" is a piano ballad where Ella's raw honesty is front and center. It is a short but emotional song about the internal conflict of wanting to move on while being anchored by the past. With lyrics such as “It’s hard to call it quits / When everything that I wanted was exactly this”, it captures the desperation of a relationship on the brink.
Just as the listener is immersed in their feelings, Ella flips the narrative with "Ganni Top", a high energy indie rock anthem reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo 's “Guts”. It is a track that exudes confidence and joy with an infectious melody and a joyous scream meant to be sung by thousands of fans in a stadium concert. With "Sweet Nothing," Ella returns to softer territory, with a love song filled with yearning and hope. The gentle guitar melodies create an intimate atmosphere and the lyrics paint a picture of desire and the excitement of new love.
In "Stop Me!”, Ella confronts both the painful acceptance of a relationship’s end and the empowerment of resilience in the face of heartbreak. The opening lyrics, “Time goes by / Waiting for your love / But the more I try / There’s nothing left of us” encapsulate the emotional turmoil of moving on. Following the same theme, "Meet You In The Middle" is a cinematic closer, both to the record and to a relationship. The song encapsulates the main themes of the project, self-discovery and acceptance, making it a fitting conclusion to Ella's journey through relationships, fame and herself.
"Watch It Ache And Bleed" is a testament to Nieve Ella’s artistic evolution, and a project that shows us that she is here to stay. Each track showcases her ability to blend her honest and vulnerable lyrics with captivating melodies, creating an experience that will resonate with many on multiple levels. As Nieve Ella prepares for her upcoming tour, it is clear that she is not only an artist to watch but also one of the voices of the new generation of musicians shaping the future of the industry.
Words by Marcos Sanoja
