London-based Indie-Rock artist, bryden, has released his debut 3-track EP, ‘The Rites,’ following the successful release of his debut single ‘Blood.’ The EP was produced by Oscar Moos, who has previously worked with Col3trane, Coults, and Kid Brunswick. bryden’s music is a fusion of Indie-Rock, Pop, and R&B, drawing inspiration from a range of artists such as Frank Ocean, The Smiths, and Catfish and the Bottlemen. His enigmatic lyrics are infused with R&B melodies and rock undertones, resulting in a unique and eclectic sound.
‘The Rites’ showcases bryden’s diverse musical influences, as well as his fascination with occultist imagery. Each of the three tracks depicts a different stage of an occultist ritual, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources such as Alastair Crowley’s mystic tomes, the Gawain Poet’s ‘Perle’ poem, Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra,’ and David Cronenberg’s ‘Videodrome.’ The EP takes the listener on a journey through a seance with bryden, as he crafts a sonic soundscape that immerses them in the experience.
The first track, ‘Pearl,’ introduces the listener to a divine apparition that appears to bryden. However, the delicate and worshipful suppositions of love soon turn sinister, as what first appeared divine turns into something unholy. The EP’s center point, ‘Blood,’ describes the consumptive and seductive effect of this evil as it corrupts the mind. The EP culminates in the closing track, ‘Leap,’ as bryden ponders how to break free from the all-consuming entity he has awoken, or whether he even wants to.
Overall, ‘The Rites’ is a compelling debut EP that showcases bryden’s songwriter prowess. By weaving together elements of Indie-Rock, Pop, and R&B and drawing inspiration from a range of sources, bryden has created a unique and enigmatic musical experience that is sure to captivate listeners.
Having previously garnered support from the likes of Music Crowns, Celeb Mix and Backseat Mafia for his debut single ‘Blood’, bryden now looks to unveil his vision to a dedicated fanbase that he’s started cultivating, this culminated in a sell-out EP launch party at the Spice of Life in London. With the promise of further shows and more material in the works, this won’t be the last you hear of the burgeoning artist.