Hypnotic Single from Anglo-Belgian Fusion Mi.el Ahead of Self-Produced EP Release

Words by Ed Sargant

Photography by Kinara Pegorini

Nihilism is a term that for many conjures feelings of discomfort and despair. Others, on the contrary, embrace the philosophy and feel enlightened by the freedom it affords. ‘Grains of Sand' - the third in a run of singles from Anglo-Belgian fusion Mi.el (Ming (Brussels) and Ellie (Bournemouth)) - seems to sit somewhere between these two opposing viewpoints, at least at first listen.

Those already familiar with the folky, shoegaze-inspired duo will know that a sense of hypnosis is central to their musical philosophy. This track is no exception. A steady yet awkward drum track introduces the song, followed by a taste of chorus-soaked guitars that blend to create a delicate and eerie soundscape akin to The Cure’s Seventeen Seconds. This perfectly mirrors Ming’s vision of being “lost in no-man’s land” as the song contemplates the insignificance of the individual within the universe.

Ming notes that this isn't cause for distress, but rather “a strangely comforting thought.” As the lyrics instruct the listener to “stop [their] thinking for a while,” Mi.el (pronounced “Mee-el”) encourages a descent into a meditative state to accept this liberating notion. Finally, a mist of distortion descends in the track's closing moments, making way for a syncopated bass hook that flows freely towards the song’s shadowy conclusion.

‘Grains of Sand’ is a fine example of introspective songwriting. It combines the confidence of intellectual honesty with a soundscape that captures the emotional ambiguity of a sudden epiphany.

Mi.el's self-produced debut EP ‘Grains of Sand’ is due for release early 2026.

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