Crafting a unique blend of moody indie rock, shoegaze, goth and post-punk/new wave, CIEL weaves together ethereal melodies with a dark, driving energy. Fronted by Dutch-born singer and songwriter Michelle Hindriks, the band evolved into a duo in the studio with the addition of drummer Tim Spencer. CIEL’s sound is both atmospheric and urgent—heavy guitars, pulsing basslines, and driving rhythms providing the backdrop for Hindriks’ haunting yet intimate vocals. Think of a sound that sits somewhere between the hazy allure of Slowdive, the urgency of Wolf Alice, and the brooding cool of The Cure - ethereal yet punchy, nostalgic yet fresh.
Having toured extensively and gained strong support from platforms such as BBC Radio 6 Music (A-list rotation), BBC Radio 1, Clash, and DIY, the band continues to push their sound forward. After two EPs and having toured the EU with Blood Red Shoes, in December 2024, CIEL joined The Jesus and Mary Chain on their full UK tour, further cementing their place as one of Brighton’s most exciting rising acts.
