“CHEMICALS” by Chellcy Reitsma

With “Chemicals,” Chellcy Reitsma once again asserts herself as a genre-bending force capable of carving her own lane in the modern alternative landscape. The Dutch-American singer-songwriter—known for weaving together Blues, Alt-Rock, Rockabilly, and Americana—delivers a track that feels both retro and cinematic, steeped in the warm, shadowy glow of her trademark film-noir edge. “Chemicals” continues her fascination with the darker corners of emotion, offering a soundscape where melancholy meets movement, and honesty becomes its own form of electricity. True to her body of work, the track is anchored by rich storytelling, a tactile sense of atmosphere, and a vocal delivery that drips with character.

Reitsma, who divides her time between Malta and Nashville, has long been celebrated for her clever lyricism and poetic instinct—a skill honed through years of songwriting, visual art, and published poetry. Following the 2024 release of her award-winning debut album Momento Mori, and with a catalogue already boasting eighteen singles and the Black Water EP, she approaches “Chemicals” with a refined artistic confidence. The song feels like a natural progression in her thematic journey: exploring human desire, vulnerability, and the invisible forces that pull us toward one another. Musically, it blends her signature vintage textures with modern alternative grit. There’s a propulsive tension at its core—an undercurrent of bluesy ache wrapped in driving rhythms and subtle rockabilly twang. It’s a track that sways between seduction and introspection, never fully anchoring itself to one mood, instead allowing emotional complexity to guide its movement.

What elevates “Chemicals” beyond a standard alt-rock release is Reitsma’s deeply intentional artistry. Her mission, as she states, is to create work that is authentic, symbolic, personal, and empowering, and this single embodies that philosophy. The lyrics of “Chemicals” lean into layered meaning—addressing both the literal and metaphorical forces that bind us, the unspoken chemistry between people, and the internal storms that shape our choices. Her voice, rich and smoky, carries a vulnerability that makes every line feel lived-in. The production itself mirrors her multidisciplinary approach: cinematic in tone, textured like visual art, and structured with poetic nuance. It’s the kind of song that reveals more with each listen, inviting listeners into Reitsma’s world where genre rules dissolve and emotional truth leads the way. Ultimately, “Chemicals” is another standout entry in Chellcy Reitsma’s ever-expanding artistic universe—a track that reinforces her reputation as a fearless creator whose work vibrates with soul, symbolism, and unmistakable originality.