SINGLE REVIEW: Bella Wright – Ashtray

Wright gives the listener nowhere to hide as she bares her soul. The lyricism here is disconcertingly vulnerable and discomfortingly visceral

Bella Wright is an incredibly busy musician.

Following on from the release of her superb 90’s alt rock anthem ‘Worth the Crime’, the Montana born singer-songwriter has toured the Midwest of America, before returning back to Liverpool to squeeze in plenty more concerts along with getting to work on new music; new music that, after being teased on TikTok, managed to go viral before even being finished. 

Now, after a whirlwind studio session, Wright’s latest single ‘Ashtray’ is all set to release tomorrow (October 6th). Whereas ‘Worth the Crime’ dealt with with the temptation of the satisfaction of revenge, ‘Ashtray’ paints Wright in a far more vulnerable light, hooked on a poisonous love that only serves to damage her.

Once again harnessing influences such as No Doubt and Liz Phair, the stripped back verses contrast wonderfully with the choruses that are packed with gorgeous harmonies in the chorus, and Wright showcasing her smokey, irreverent lower register. The track builds to a climax that switches up the tempo, with powerful melodies soaring across a panic attack of fuzzy guitars and shrill strings. 

Wright gives the listener nowhere to hide as she bares her soul. The lyricism here is disconcertingly vulnerable and discomfortingly visceral, with Wright not only confronting her addiction to a toxic love (‘I’m losing sleep over his nicotine’) but reconciling with the trauma it has left her with and how this infects opportunities for future love (‘I know he said he loves me/But those feelings always rot’).

All of this is delivered by Wright with a weary but potent feminine rage in the face of the indifference of men; a confrontation of the ‘boys will be boys’ mindset that places women as little more than background characters in the male story (‘He wants a good time and I co-operate’).

There’s no doubt that Wright is a fantastic songwriter, and not only should her music convince you of that, but just how in demand of a musician she is. You can catch ‘Ashtray’ live on October 14th at the Boot Music Showcase, Liverpool.

‘Ashtray’ by Bella Wright drops October 6th on streaming services. The track can be presaved here.

For Fans Of: No Doubt, Liz Phair, Mitski, Phoebe Bridges, Lacy J. Dalton

Featured picture credit belongs to @shotbymaw.

Follow the artist on social media via the links below:

Instagram // Spotify // Bandcamp // SoundCloud