When you listen to a song for the first time you often assume it will make you feel a certain way and it will have a specific sound, however I had no idea what to expect from CHIVVY’s new single ‘Reign’ and I found myself incredibly surprised in the best way when I started listening. I was not expecting to listen to an ethereal dream pop song that is reminiscent of Cocteau Twins and early Wolf Alice songs like ‘Heavenward’, but it was a surprise that was incredibly welcome.
This song fits perfectly into the current genre of dream pop, as well as paying tribute to those older bands of this genre such as the Cocteau Twins. The mixture of layered guitars with reverb and synths gives it a powerful yet dreamy sound, fitting the song’s whole theme of ‘fantasy and reality’. As well as fitting the themes, the instrumental also has a beautiful contrast between the lead guitar and the rhythm guitar. The rhythm guitar generally stays very similar, working along with the synths while the lead guitar tends to focus on occasional picking to add depth until later in the song when it takes a more prominent role as the main backing, especially in the chorus with different notes with reverb each being held for a while and having a strong vibrato. This goes along incredibly well with the synth, adding a lot to the depth and general power of the song.
Speaking of power, the vocals are sung in an extremely strong and beautiful voice which goes perfectly with the instrumental backing. Every part of the song comes together to create a dreamlike soundscape full of both influences and originality. As the lyrics, which are about allowing yourself to take control, speak, you can full immerse yourself in the words. Personally, I wish the vocals in the chorus were louder as they are slightly difficult to hear and understand, however there is still so much control and passion throughout the chorus which is obvious to the listener that this does not necessarily work against the song. Either way, as a single, this has me incredibly excited for what is next in store for CHIVVY.