The angel from my nightmare...
Spooky season has finally arrived and apparently conveniently timed EP from Liverpool born punk-rocker Bronnie has arrived. Not only has her brand new EP come at arguably a desirable part of the month, but it is her biggest release to date. 'Dream or Nightmare' a seven track EP that has been recently been released shortly following her single released EP titled track 'Dream or Nightmare'.
Constantly on the drive to release new music, these songs make the best parts of Bronnie from throughout the years come to light. From the release of 'High School Sucks' to this EP, Hughes has shown growth in not only her songwriting but her musical talent. Her single 'Dream or Nightmare' was the third single of this EP to be released and has been gaining traction ever since. The songs in their own way just like members of a band, deserve their own spotlight.
'Run and Hide', is the opening track on the album and without doubt sets the mood for the entire EP. Hughes' vocals jump straight in at the beginning with very little time fill, to hook the audience straight away. The instant beginning is almost like a metaphor for her kicking ass in her career that's for sure. This track in particular though is a, showcase of her vocals and certainly shows how hard working she truly is. It is additionally emotionally hitting in a lyrical sense and has the element of surprise 3/4 's of the way through when male vocals jump in on the final bridge; giving this track more of an underlining hard rock vibe, which arguably pulls this song apart from all the rest.
'Lost and Found' was the second single to be released and brings much more of a pure rock vibe to the EP with a foot dancing fade in instrumental to ease us in, and it provides the audience straight away, strong imagery which is portrayed through the songwriting. Something in which Bronnie is incredibly good at doing with all of her songs. To note with this song, is the screaming vocals on the track; which is what makes the song prevalent to it's rocky vibe, and the emotions.
'Dream or Nightmare' is the continuation on the rockier elements of the EP and keeps that side of her genre truly alive, with yet again more strong imagery in her lyrics. It's another depicted story telling kind of track displaying her inner thoughts and her emotions, yet again impressing fans with her vocals in partner with the rocky beat that is far too addictive to not keep playing over and over. With a quick start into the lyrics, it is not only the title track but appearing to be a fan favourite of the EP so far.
'Not Too Late to Be Okay', kicks straight in with her drummer Chris Mitchell vastly accompanied by her vocals and without a doubt is a powerful punk-rock track; that is both insightful vocally and pleasurable instrumentally. With both of these elements put together it makes it one of the most unforgettable tracks on here and is bound to get stuck in your head for a while. Definitely a typical depiction of Bronnie and her songwriting talents, that never ceases to amaze.
Now shifting into her more mature audience, 'Ageing' is a song that has been contrived full of relatable thoughts throughout the orchestrated scenarios and things all of us think about at some point as we age. Although it is one of the shortest tracks, it offers a lot in a short time with rockesque drum beats and dreamy rock guitar riffs from guitarist Peter Gebbie. It is by far the song that you want to replay again and again because by songs end, you don't want it to stop.
'Stay' introduces itself with a highly energetic classic hard-rock vibe, and was the first single to be released. Four years ago it was released in a more demo-esque version, with less of a rock comparison unlike now. By far one of her fan favourites and clearly meaningful to Bronnie. Although it has had a few minor changes to it like the more edgy feel to it, it has kept its catchiness and kept rolling in with its personal relations. additionally it is still swiftly sat at one the highest streamed songs she has, and it is very clear to see why.
'I Wonder What It's Like' is the only stripped back, acoustic song on this EP and ends the 7 tracks on a much softer, more emotionally exposed side, but was exactly what was needed. Even though there is quite the shift between this track and 'Stay' this song is a showcase for her voice and is the only song on the album that floods you with all of her heart and relatable feelings. The guitar has a controlled, dream like state that keeps you drawed into the lyrics and allows you to focus on Bronnie and was a clever way to sum up the tracks.
Overall, something this EP shows to fans is Bronnie's undeniable ability to interlink emotion through imagery in her lyrics, and vocals that throughout the songs shine. Even on occasion, dare I say give a slight shiver to the skin. It shows how far she has come throughout the years with her being an artist and an influencer to her younger audience. Although "I think i'm ageing" just thinking about how far these tracks, show she has come. Hand on heart, this EP is her best yet and just shows that she has the ability to out-do herself every release she has.
With a hint of new music in the works, do you think she can out-do herself?
