CIEL

Based in Brighton after Dutch musician Michelle Hindriks relocated to the UK, CIEL develops an indie rock sound with dark hues where shoegaze, post-punk and gothic touches intersect. Led by Hindriks, the band builds a dense, hazy sound made of abrasive guitars, cold melodies and an emotional tension that remains restrained rather than demonstrative. CIEL emerged in the early 2020s with songs drawn from the founder’s initial compositions brought from the Netherlands, then quickly honed its identity on the British alternative scene. In 2022 the track “Baby Don’t You Know” accompanied this rise in visibility, followed by the release of two EPs in 2023. CIEL has also toured the UK and Europe, notably alongside Blood Red Shoes and The Jesus and Mary Chain, placing the band in a circuit where indie rock, noise pop and post‑punk heritage converge. Through their lyrics, CIEL explores themes of identity, mental health, human relationships and emotional balance.