CIEL – Call Me Silent
Brighton’s dreamy noise-makers CIEL have emerged from their studio cocoon with “Call Me Silent,” a deeply personal track that doubles as their first offering since 2023’s “Rather Be Alone” EP. Released through V2 Records, this single serves as a standalone revelation and a preview of their upcoming debut album, sharing the same name.
The track arrives with impressive credentials – production and mixing by Steven Ansell, mastering by Katie Tavini, and additional guitar work from Ruby Taylor. But it’s the meaning behind the music that truly captivates. Vocalist Michelle Hindriks has revealed that the song explores her experience with autism and the journey toward self-acceptance, specifically the feeling of finally finding a community where one can flourish after years of not fitting in.
“It’s about the feeling of not fitting in, but finally finding a community here in Brighton where you can actually be yourself,” Hindriks explains. The track showcases how even the more introverted souls among us can create loud, distorted music as a form of expression – proof that quiet people have plenty to say, even if they need more recovery time between saying it.
CIEL (pronounced “She-Elle”) has evolved into a studio duo featuring Hindriks and drummer Tim Spencer, crafting a sound that blends moody indie rock, shoegaze, goth, post-punk, new wave, and trip-hop elements.
The band’s creative partnership extends beyond music – they’ve been running a recording studio in Brighton for a year and a half, providing an affordable space for the local community to record music. They also run workshop programs for minorities in the music industry, further cementing their connection to the Brighton scene.
Their rising profile has earned them support from BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, Clash, and DIY, along with impressive touring credentials. After two EPs and European tours with Blood Red Shoes, they joined The Jesus and Mary Chain for a full UK tour in December 2024.
The release of “Call Me Silent” coincides with the announcement of their debut album of the same name and an accompanying tour. Kicking off with a hometown show at Patterns in Brighton on November 5th, organised by Love Thy Neighbour promoters, the tour will take them across the UK, the Netherlands, and France.
