Bristol-based pop-rock band Chandra have returned in 2025 with a bang—and a purpose. Their new single, “We Want Our Planet Back”, released on April 11th, isn’t just a song; it’s a protest, a celebration, and a wake-up call all rolled into one. It marks the start of an ambitious year-long plan to release a brand new single and video every eight weeks. That’s a tall order for any band, but judging by the energy, message, and musical punch packed into this first release, they’re more than up for it.
“We Want Our Planet Back” is a high-energy, riff-heavy pop-rock anthem that channels frustration into action. With sharp lyrics, pounding rhythms, and a message that feels both urgent and unifying, it sets the tone for what could be Chandra’s most defining year yet.
From the very first beat, the track grabs attention. The verses build with righteous anger: “With the powers that be dumping sewage in the sea / Flatten every last tree, no Orangutans to see.” These aren’t vague environmental platitudes—they’re pointed, powerful lines that capture the helplessness and outrage many feel in today’s world. Yet, rather than sinking into despair, the band chooses hope and togetherness. “Come and sing with me,” the chorus calls out like a modern battle cry for unity in the face of environmental destruction.
Frontman Chandra Nair delivers the vocals with a sense of raw purpose, backed by Chris Wong’s tight basslines and Mike Paul’s searing guitar riffs. The production, helmed by Chandra and longtime collaborator Elliot Vaughan, balances grit and melody perfectly. The result is a track that you want to play loud, chant along to, and then hit repeat.
But what really makes this single hit harder is how it blends its serious message with the band’s signature vibe—spirited, cheeky, and full of life. While the lyrics address political greed, climate collapse, and social unity, the track never feels preachy. Instead, it invites everyone in, no matter who you are: “Doesn’t matter how or why we identify / You’re a they, you’re a we, with a P or a V / Come and sing with me.” It’s inclusive, empowering, and cleverly written.
In many ways, this song is the next step in the evolution of a band that made waves with last year’s debut EP Lifted. That release introduced Chandra’s knack for catchy, meaningful pop-rock songs with an emotional core. But this time around, they’re not just lifting spirits—they’re lifting fists.
Chandra’s decision to pair each single with a new music video is also noteworthy, and their creative vision doesn’t stop at the music. The upcoming Heroes vs. Villains episodic-style video sounds like an inventive way to engage listeners visually and make the message even more immersive.
One thing the band is honest about is the practical side of their 2025 mission. With so many releases on the horizon, budgets are tight, and the big production packages aren’t an option. But honestly? If “We Want Our Planet Back” is any indication of what’s coming, they don’t need flashy extras. The music speaks loudly enough on its own.
Connect with CHANDRA on
English