A fresh face in South Wales’ indie music scene, singer-songwriter Alcie Bela is mystifying. Perfectly pairing dark witted lyrics, to a delicate acoustic folk sound. The musician is currently recording her upcoming EP at a studio deep within the heart of Welsh woodland. Ensuring the seeds of her kindled earthy spirit are sown. As debut single ‘Don’t Leave Me Hanging’ arrived in August of 2020. We gazed in awe, upon music that was refreshingly different. Without doubt leaving many of us eager to hear more.

Vocals sharp to the tongue, Alcie Bela is able to pierce through any softened music backdrop. Usually comprising a flurry of acoustic strums and the patter of drums. Allowing us to envisage Bela as the burning flames themselves, rather than those who gather around the campfire. A musician that draws influence from the powerfully soft Aldous Harding, Daughter and Sia, entwined with poetic notions from Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Bela swiftly meanders between melancholy musings and a gorgeously rousing rage. Exuding a sound so rich and vibrant, yet fascinatingly thought-provoking.
Latest single ‘Forest’ strengthens Bela further again. First to be released from her forthcoming EP, the track delves into a soundscape even more expansive than her previous debut ‘Can’t Leave Me Hanging’. We feel the singer take on an up-tempo, almost cool country approach to her style. Shaking off any past preconceptions of “soft” and presenting a confident musician, firmly comfortable in her own footsteps. Bela struts through her sophomore single, as waves of empowerment and fierce feminism shine from her music. While bold and unconstrained lyrics call for something more meaningful, than a string of bad one-night stands.
We ponder whether Alcie Bela looks inward for her bitter-sweet vocal vengeance, or if her words are instead outspoken projections towards society at large? One thing is for certain, this fiery and captivating musician is surely expected to set the music scene alight. As fractious yet gentle folk music fuels the fires of her enigmatic creativity.
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