Review: Bleach Lab – Close to the Flame (EP)

Often bitter, often sad, the new EP from these London-based indie janglers wonderfully revels in both intensity and warmth.

No band captures the mood quite like indie four-piece Bleach Lab. The dream-pop specialists delivered one of 2023’s most captivating indie rock debuts on Lost in a Rush of Emptiness and return two years later with breath-taking EP Close to the Flame. 

Where their expansive first outing soundtracked singer Jenna Kyle’s mental state post-toxic relationship, Close to the Flame finds the singer similarly worn out by love, battling self-doubt and in fear of losing herself. 

Throughout this EP, the London-based band are on top form for another masterclass in dream pop goodness and richly delicate guitar sounds. ‘Drown’ sets the scene nicely. “You look so pretty when you cry, makes them wanna break your heart to watch you die inside” opens Kyle as she mourns an all-consuming relationship with an indecisive partner. 

Sonic progression is then heard on ‘Feel Something’ albeit without abandoning the band’s raw emotional core. There’s ominous ‘80s synths and an atmospheric backdrop to compliment Louis Takooree’s gorgeous jangly guitars. Kyle, again, vividly describes the exhaustive impact this poisoned relationship is having on her: “Baby you know I’m tired / and you’ve ruined my life / now I’m just burning alive”

Later, ‘In Your Arms’ finds the band in a cheerier and reflective mood. They change things up with some refreshing slow dance vibes. Not everything leaves an impact however. For example, the self-titled track isn’t quite as ear-catching as those it precedes. But they do win us back around on ‘If I Could Be Anything’: the sonically spacious closer brings together electronic twinges with emotive shoegaze soundscapes. A fantastic way to depart us on. 

Jenna Kyle wanted the songs on Close to the Flame to sound like the end scene of a coming-of-age romance film. Do Bleach Lab succeed? Absolutely. These tracks are quiet, soul-baring and vulnerable. Often bitter, often sad, this EP wonderfully revels in both intensity and warmth. Now roll credits for immediate impact.

8/10