Indie rockers Reversed Chakra have made their entrance into the music scene with their debut single, Game of Chess, paving the way for their upcoming album, Healing Heart Rehab. Combining the raw energy of indie rock with the darker undertones of dark wave and the sweeping soundscapes of atmospheric post-rock, their music draws from a variety of influences, including Interpol, The Editors, The Cure, and Sigur Rós. The result is a sound that feels familiar but also explores different textures and moods.
Bassist Carlo Bellotti elaborates on how the concept of reversing energy flows influences their creative expression, pushing them to explore new musical territories. “My role is to create basslines that provide a grounding force, contrasting with the ethereal elements of our music,” he notes. His approach focuses on creating a powerful foundation that anchors the band’s sound while allowing room for experimenting with textures and tones. “The name inspires us to blend genres and find harmony in contrasts, balancing dark and light, heavy and subtle, to embody the essence of Reversed Chakra in our sound,” he said.
Guitarist Alice Bianconcini also explained that much of Healing Heart Rehab is rooted in personal experiences and esoteric elements. “Many of our songs contain esoteric elements, exploring dreams or fragments of them. Dreams that intersect with reality until they are no longer recognisable from one another. The atmospheres of our songs are mysterious, sometimes dark, but also dreamy,” she says. But it’s not all mysticism—real-life challenges also make their way into the album. “Other songs, however, focus on life experiences that have deeply affected us or our loved ones, such as the death of a father, the loss of a daughter, or abandonment by a loved one. These are themes everyone can relate to. They are meant to be hymns for starting over and continuing to fight for your dreams, even when you’ve hit rock bottom. Our aim is to send out positive vibes and offer encouragement.”
Alice explains that the interaction between bass and guitar is crucial in shaping Reversed Chakra’s sound. “Usually in the studio, songwriting begins with an initial guitar idea, which could be a riff or a chord sequence for a potential chorus or verse. It’s with Carlo’s bass input that we develop the final form of the song. Without me, there wouldn’t be the initial idea to start composing, and without Carlo, there wouldn’t be a finished song!”
Carlo Bellotti details his involvement in the songwriting process of Reversed Chakra, emphasizing the collaborative nature of creating music within the band. “The process starts with Alice, our primary songwriter, who crafts the initial riffs and core ideas that form the foundation of our tracks,” he explains. Once Alice develops these riffs, Carlo steps in to refine and structure them into complete songs. “I work closely with her to shape these riffs, focusing on arrangements and ensuring that each element—rhythm, melody, harmony—enhances our overall sound and vision,” he says.
Carlo elaborates on how their roles integrate seamlessly: “While Alice brings the raw, creative energy with her riffs, I bring my production expertise to polish and perfect these ideas.” The songwriting process doesn’t stop there; it involves contributions from other members and professionals. “After refining the songs with Alice, we bring in Leo Martera for drum patterns and groove, Paul Reeve to work on vocals with our singer Justin Brett and assist with production, John Fryer for mixing, and Richard Dodd for mastering,” Carlo adds.
Carlo Bellotti discusses the transformative impact of collaborating with iconic producers like Paul Reeve and John Fryer, known for their work with bands such as Muse and Depeche Mode. “Working with Paul and John has greatly shaped our sound, especially the basslines and rhythm sections,” he explains. This collaboration has pushed Carlo to develop a more nuanced and expressive style of playing, balancing complexity with an engaging groove.
He highlights John Fryer’s specific contributions: “John’s expertise during the mixing process has been crucial in shaping the tone and texture of the bass. His experience with Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails brings a deep understanding of sonic layering and atmosphere.” Under John’s guidance, the bass in Reversed Chakra’s tracks is crafted not just to support but to enhance the band’s soundscape, creating a rich, immersive listening experience. “Both Paul and John have elevated our rhythm sections, making them integral to conveying the unique energy and identity of the band,” Carlo adds.
Alice shares her hopes for the future of Reversed Chakra as they prepare for the release of Healing Heart Rehab. “I hope I can get a lot of satisfaction with this band, such as touring and playing in front of huge audiences. But, first and foremost, I hope to continue expressing my creative ideas in a close-knit way with my bandmates. I want songwriting and performing to become even more enriching and fulfilling as we grow.”
You can read the full interview with Carlo Bellotti in the September issue of Bass Empire, now available on DiscountMags.
