Berlin trio Varley channel self-doubt for optimistic new single “Bubble Up”

Soothing the ear with flowing guitar and smooth vocals, “Bubble Up” is an indie-pop masterclass from Varley, the Berlin-based band formed of Dublin-native Claire-Ann, and German bandmates Joschka and Matthias.

Written on the first day of a job that left her feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, lead-singer Claire-Ann explains “I told my new work colleagues that I was going for a break but in reality, I sat in the bathroom, upset and started to hum a melody. Sometimes I find it hard to slow down my thoughts or turn off the inner dialogue. I guess ‘Bubble Up’ is that feeling of the pressure rising and not knowing how to keep it together and wishing you weren’t like this”.

Inspired by bands such as Fleetwood Mac and Bon Iver, Varley’s “Bubble Up” has a soft yet refined sound, allowing them to be vulnerable while staying strong and reassuring listeners to help overcome their inner doubts. Taken from their debut album, to be released later this year, the band’s new music was written and recorded during the pandemic and navigates their own feeling of anxiety and inner-turmoil – all too relatable in lockdown.

Utilising mellow guitar riffs and looming bass, Varley create a classic sound alongside cleanly produced vocals. With melodies sailing over the verses and peaking in all the right places, “Bubble Up” is a memorable track to jam out to. “I feel like a lot of the time I don’t actually process a lot of my feelings” continues Claire-Ann about her songwriting process, “but then I just jam with a guitar and things come out”.