Bristol’s Bellatrix is an underground pop hero in the making

2018 is the summer of weird pop music. Between the stunning new albums from Let’s Eat Grandma and SOPHIE, the constant stream of singles from Charli XCX and an expected release from Grimes, pop has taken a hard left turn since the weather started warming up. One of the most intriguing contributions to the world of wonky pop comes from Bellatrix, a Bristol-born and now London-based bassist and singer. Premiering today on Notion, her new single ‘Wish I Could’ is equal parts catchy and curious, balancing an infectious bassline and chart sensibility with Bellatrix’s almost ghoulish vocal.

Having studied at Guildhall School of Music and played bass with everyone from Jarvis Cocker to The Pharcyde, as well as performing in and coordinating charity shows at the Roundhouse and Barbican, Bellatrix is no stranger to the music industry. However, with ‘Wish I Could’ she takes a new step forward into the limelight.

The accompanying video for ‘Wish I Could’ stars Luke Treadaway, best known for playing the lead role in the west end production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, following his character on a drug-fueled excursion through London. Presented across three panels, with scenes of Bellatrix herself dancing with a group of kids and sat in the back of a cab appearing amongst the main narrative, it’s a fractured view of the aftermath of some unknown event, echoing the sinister ambiguity of the title lyric “Wish I could save them all / wish I could save them”. ‘Wish I Could’ is taken from Bellatrix’s new EP, Bad Dancing, out August 8th. Watch the video below.