BITTER BLUE is: Milan Mirić (vocals), Luka Nikolić (guitar), Miloš Dabetić (bass), Stefan Mark Milojković (drums)
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REVIEW – Serbian quartet BITTER BLUE return with Levity, a five-track EP that blends indie rock, pop, jazz, and blues into something warm, melodic, and immediately inviting. Rather than leaning too heavily on any single influence, the band allows each song to breathe and develop its own character, giving the record a sense of movement while still holding together as a complete listen.
There is an understated confidence throughout Levity. BITTER BLUE favor atmosphere, groove, and emotional connection over excess, building songs that feel personal without becoming overly dramatic. The result is an EP that balances reflective moments with bursts of rhythmic energy, drawing the listener in through strong musicianship, heartfelt vocals, and a sound that feels both familiar and distinctly their own.
The first track, “Someone Better,” opens Levity with layers of infectious indie-rock energy while immediately establishing the emotional core of the EP. Beneath the upbeat instrumentation is a song rooted in yearning, anguish, and idealism. The heartfelt vocals give the track a genuine sense of vulnerability, capturing the feeling of looking at a relationship and realizing it may have pushed you to become more than you ever believed you could be. There is hope here, but it is mixed with uncertainty, giving the song an emotional weight that keeps it from becoming just another breezy indie-rock opener.
“Dirty Bussines” shifts the momentum with a steady, prominent bass line anchored by frenetic, pulsing drums. The rhythm section drives the track forward with an anxious urgency, creating a restless atmosphere that fits naturally alongside the band’s melodic instincts. Guitars weave around the groove without overwhelming it, allowing the bass and percussion to remain at the center of the song. It is one of those tracks that feels deceptively simple at first, but the deeper you listen, the more the individual layers begin to reveal themselves.
“Flare” slows things down and gives Levity room to breathe. The song draws the listener deeper into a bluesy, resonating atmosphere built around restraint rather than sheer momentum. There is a warmth to the arrangement that feels almost hypnotic, with each instrumental element given enough space to settle into the mix. Instead of rushing toward a payoff, “Flare” allows its mood to develop naturally, making it one of the more immersive moments on the EP.
“Sentinel” introduces another side of BITTER BLUE’s sound, beginning with a steady, jazz-influenced rhythm before expanding into soaring guitars, measured percussion, and a strong bass presence. The track moves effortlessly between subtlety and intensity, demonstrating how comfortable the band is blending different influences without making the song feel disjointed. The rhythm section keeps everything grounded while the guitars add a sense of lift and atmosphere. For listeners who appreciate musicianship that serves the song rather than overpowering it, “Sentinel” stands out as one of the EP’s strongest examples of the band working together as a complete unit.
“What Are You” closes Levity with a more reflective, slower-paced tone. After the movement and stylistic shifts of the previous tracks, the song feels like a natural comedown. There is an introspective quality to the performance that leaves the listener sitting with the emotions of the record instead of simply ending it with one final burst of energy. It is a fitting conclusion to an EP that spends much of its runtime balancing melody, atmosphere, and emotional honesty.
Across its five tracks, Levity proves to be a mesmerizing and engaging listen that refuses to settle comfortably into a single style. BITTER BLUE pull from indie rock, pop, jazz, and blues while maintaining a cohesive identity throughout the record. The arrangements feel carefully considered without sounding overworked, and there is a natural chemistry between the vocals, guitars, bass, and percussion that gives the EP a well-rounded sound.
What makes Levity work is the band’s ability to connect with the listener without forcing the emotion. The songs move through longing, reflection, tension, and hope while remaining accessible and melodic. There is familiarity in some of the influences, but BITTER BLUE never sound like they are simply trying to imitate the bands that came before them. Instead, those influences become part of a broader sound that feels increasingly like their own.
Fans of The Strokes, The Smiths, and Bloc Party should find plenty to connect with here, but Levity has enough personality and musical depth to stand comfortably on its own. BITTER BLUE have delivered a concise EP that rewards repeated listens and leaves the impression that there is still much more for this band to explore.
For more information on BITTER BLUE, visit:
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