New Music | Rachel Chinouriri - Ribs

George Ward

Freelance journalist based in Bristol. Can be found at the Grain Barge, Rough Trade or in his tiny basement bedroom writing for CLUNK.

Rising indie-pop star Rachel Chinouriri drops new single ‘Ribs’, ahead of her huge UK tour and 4 sold-out London shows

2023 has already been a massive year for Rachel Chinouriri. Not only has she dropped a viral single ‘Maybe I’m Lonely’, but has also supported Lewis Capaldi’s European arena tour and been shortlisted for BBC’s Sound of 2023.

Now, Chinouriri has dropped her latest single, ‘Ribs’, a summery indie-pop anthem with catchy vocals and joyful instrumentation. Paired with a lo-fi music video, the track feels comforting, sunny and intimate. Chinouriri’s voice is uniquely engaging, always soft but never dull.

The lyrics revolve around the idea of love causing physical pain. As Chinouriri humorously put it: “I described my liking of someone as a chest infection that was hurting my ribs because I actually had achy ribs. I then went to the pub and had some of the best ribs I’ve eaten”. The tone of this description fits the song well; it is relatable but not clichéd, emotional but not devastating. It never pretends not to be a pop song.

The chorus consists of a catchy melody, group vocals and a satisfying chord progression. Chinouriri knows exactly how to write a successful pop song and does so like an expert.

Watch/Listen to ‘Ribs’ here: