"Glitra" Shows That All That Glitters Really Is Gold
U.K.-based artist Brijs has utilized his unique indie-pop sound to document a beautiful range of emotions and experiences on his debut EP “Glitra,” released earlier this March. The album follows years of single releases, including his most popular track “Friends” from 2015.
Written and produced from the comfort of Brij’s hometown while surrounded by the closest of friends, “Glitra” sonically embodies feelings of exploration, breaking free, and new beginnings via an immense collection of instruments and electronic sounds. The second track “Velvet Ditch” begins the album with a cry to “get out before it eats you whole.” The term velvet ditch refers to a place that’s so comfortable, it makes it hard to leave. Brijs is fighting against his own velvet ditch, vowing to leave this place of comfort and sanctity before it consumes him altogether.
After a run of rich, anthemic songs full of guitar and heavy production work, the album mellows out with “(Goodnight Cecil).” The soft track features no vocals, just a soft acoustic guitar and some backing instrumentals. Quickly following, the album shifts into a new gear. Less cheerful than before, Brijs attempts to come to terms with matters of the past and expresses his new hopes for the future. Filled with heavy electric guitar, synth chords, and strong harmonies, the album reaches a richer peak than it introduced and showcases Brij’s extreme range of talent.
“Mol y Sol,” my favorite track off of “Glitra” and the album’s most popular song so far, has potential to become a summer hit, full of classic indie-pop synth and guitar and a catchy chorus. The album ends on strong note with the title track “Glitra.” It reflects on the glimmer of a person in Brijs life while to trying to untangle the complicated entrapments of love and life. The outro ends with a swarming of voices overtaking the instrumentals, signifying the album’s place in Brijs life amongst friends and the start of a new journey in the world.
The album was produced by Rob Brinkmann with collaboration from Brijs’ band members and collaborators Luke Seal, Jack Taylor, Patrick Jenkins and Liam Evams. “Glitra” is also accompanied by creative visuals made by Brijs himself. A man of many hats, Brijs also works on producing films and visual content, making his Instagram a pleasant spectacle and definitely worth a look. With “Glitra” he has proved himself nothing but ambitious and bold. I look forward to hearing more from him soon, and be sure to take a listen to “Mol y Sol” and the rest of the EP.
Written by Sophia Scorziello