“The Closer You Look” by The Bernadette Maries is a beautifully confident leap forward from the vibrant Belgian quartet, balancing raw emotion with a keen sense of melody. Right from the opening guitar lines, the track unfolds with hazy layers that nod to classic indie and post-punk sensibilities while carving out its own identity. I was struck by how seamlessly the rhythmic drive and shimmering guitars lift the song — it doesn’t just sound nostalgic, it feels alive, thoughtful, and present.
The vocals — warm, intimate, and inviting — draw you in, inviting repeated listens and deeper reflection. It’s a song that sparks recognition without ever sounding derivative. As someone who listens closely, I can confidently say this single heralds exciting things to come from this band in 2026.
