Photography by Lauren Harris

George Ward

Freelance journalist and online editor for CLUNK. Can be found out and about in Bristol, finding cheap records or having a pint on King Street.

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:

Catch Rachel Chinouriri at the following:

King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow – 3rd May

O2 Academy3, Birmingham – 4th May

Brudenell Social Club, Leeds – 5th May

Strange Brew, Bristol – 7th May

Hoxton Hall, London (SOLD OUT) – 9th May

Hoxton Hall, London (SOLD OUT) – 10th May

Hoxton Hall, London (SOLD OUT) – 11th May

Hoxton Hall, London (SOLD OUT) – 12th May

NBHD Weekender, Manchester – 27th May

Wasing Festival, Berkshire – 22nd June

Barn on The Farm Festival, Gloucestershire – 1st July

NASS Festival, Shepton Mallet – 9th July

Tramlines Festival, Sheffield – 23rd July

Latitude Festival, Suffolk – 22nd July

Truck Festival, Oxfordshire – 23rd July

Y Not Festival, Derbyshire – 28th July

Kendal Calling Festival, Cumbria – 29th July

Connect Festival, Glasgow – 26th August 

All Points East Festival, London – 27th August


Let us know what you think!