I was immediately enamoured with The Bernadette Maries’ ‘The Closer You Look’. From the beginning to the end, there’s something distinctly summery about the track, providing the perfect antidote to the freezing December nights.
A refreshing blend of post-punk and shoegaze (think Fontaines D.C with a bit more laid-back pizzazz), you just can’t help but fall in love with what the band has given you. From the wavy guitars to the punchy drums, there’s something for everyone with this track.
The lyrics are certainly interesting and tinged with emotion. The repetitiveness of “don’t you look into my eyes, there’s better places to live” paints a rather melancholic picture that doesn’t quite fit the upbeat melody, but I’m not complaining. In a slightly peculiar way, it works. They balance each other out, so you don’t become too consumed with sadness. To me, the song’s about not wanting to give up on a relationship even though you know it’s not going to last. The back-and-forth of “I know that you know that I know that you know there’s a better place to live” helps prove this. It’s a feeling that I’m sure many of us can relate to in one way or another, and it’s a testament to the Belgium-based band’s craft.
Having only formed the band in 2024, it’s impressive what The Bernadette Maries have already achieved in such a short space of time, from releasing their debut EP ‘LvvV’ to playing shows across the country. ‘The Closer You Look’ just cements this fact. Setting them up in good stead for their debut album landing in 2026, I’m looking forward to seeing what the band have up their sleeves and wish them the best of luck for the future.
Written by Madi Briggs
