ELLiS·D - 'Drifting'
From vibrant beach huts to their world-famous pride scene, Brighton has never shied away from showing us the best of what they have to offer. Their music scene, however, was always on the quieter side, with only a handful of acts seemingly emerging from the sea-side city pre-00’s (Fatboy Slim, British Sea Power, Squad). But with the turn of the century and the rise of the alternative music scene, Brighton’s fortunes changed. From the dazzling indie pop displays of The Kooks, to the drilling grunge-infused Black Honey and jangly guitars of the recently-disbanded Magic Gang, the city was positively booming.
The most recent act on the rise to join this impressive squadron of alternative-rock name is Ellis Dickson, more fondly known under his contracted moniker ELLiS·D. Drummer turned solo musicians, ELLiS·D is known for exhilarating cuts and high- octane atmospheres, his 2025 has started with the unveiling of his upcoming sophomore EP, “Spill”.
To coincide with the announcement, ELLiS·D has released the fourth teaser track from the project – the goth-punk “Falling”. Boasting insatiable glam punk that harks similarities to the glam of David Bowie but the thrilling punk of bands such as Adam and The Ants. Urgent vocals reign dominant atop drilling percussion and frenetic guitar lines in a monumental seven-and-a-half offering of utter carnage. “Falling” opts a slower, fleeting, stripped-back moment of refuge at the two minute mark, offering a step away from the frenzied and feverish soundscape, before re-emerging in nimble guitar lines that crescendo into an almost five-minute instrumental outro.
New to fans but not to live shows, ELLiS·D notes on the track, “Drifting is by far my favourite track to play live. It has been through a fair few iterations, gets everyone going and always ends up going somewhere slightly different with each performance.” With “Falling”, ELLiS·D cements himself as a sure-fire “one-to-watch” for 2025 and champions the best of what Brighton has to offer.
Words by Lana Williams
