Natalie Bouloudis releases new single “Dream River”

London-based Natalie Bouloudis is a singer-songwriter who’s become known for her poetic lyricism and atmospheric take on folk rock. Natalie first began penning her own songs at the age of seven, with her passion for storytelling quickly blossoming into a lifelong pursuit of musical expression. Initially performing under the moniker Aurora Harbinger, she became a staple at iconic London venues like Servant Jazz Quarters and Green Note, earning a loyal following with her spellbinding performances.

Capturing her sound in the studio, in 2016 she stepped out under her own name with the debut single “Burning Pier,” which she followed up with a string of well-received singles in the build up to her 2021 debut EP, Dead Sea Scripts. Released to critical acclaim, the EP earned widespread praise for its mythic lyrical writing and memorable melodies, filtering elements of folk and rock athrough an experimental lent.

Recognised by Earjelly as one of their Top Ten Singer-Songwriters in 2017, Natalie’s work struck a chord as much for its artistic ambition as for its gripping sound. Her music, often described as moody yet intricate, has been developed through years of live performance, often backed by a band of talented musicians.

Now, after a three year hiatus from sharing her original material, Natalie Bouloudis makes an emphatic return with the new single titled “Dream River,” an epic slice of progressive folk rock music wrapped in alternative aesthetics and cut with haunting vibes. Self-produced by Natalie at Crown Lane Studios, “Dream River” features an ensemble that brings her vision to life with Hannah Stacey’s on drums, Luke Waterfield and bass guitarist Luke Novak.

Setting a dark and ominous scene with the echoes of guitar twangs, the arrangement swells with bold bass lines, laid back drums and Natalie’s commanding vocal leads. Flowing with a steady rhythmic march and shrouded in a hazy atmosphere, the brooding musical fabric is contrasted by dashes of bright violin before the crash of the chorus sets up an anthemic burst of alternative folk rock music capped by Natalie’s exquisite vocal performance as she spins enthralling melodic leads above the enveloping instrumentation.

With wisps of eastern melodic touches, layers of backing vocals, daring energy and mesmeric melodies, “Dream River” serves up an arresting listening experience that puts the incredible songwriting and performance panache of Natalie Bouloudis on full display. Having made a triumphant return to the music scene, Natalie Bouloudis is sure to go from strength to strength on this exciting new chapter in her musical story.

Listen to Dream River below

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