Los Angeles-based artist Chandler Leighton has quickly established herself as a voice in dark alt-pop, but she refuses to sit neatly in one category. Known for her haunting vocals and deeply personal lyricism, she has described her mission as breaking genre walls—intentionally weaving electronica, rock, alt, and singer-songwriter pop into one cohesive sound. “Coming Up For Air”, her latest EP, is the purest expression of that vision so far.
The title “Coming Up For Air” feels symbolic: this EP is a release, a breath, and a moment of clarity after being submerged in turbulence. The soundscape shifts from polished synths to jagged guitars, from electronic urgency to stripped-down storytelling, proving that Chandler is equally comfortable in chaos and stillness. By pulling from multiple genres, she creates music that’s hard to pin down but easy to feel.
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Before Coming Up For Air arrived in full, Chandler carefully set the stage with a series of singles that revealed different shades of her artistry. Each release felt like a puzzle piece—testing the moods, genres, and emotions that would eventually come together on the EP. From restraint to chaos, urgency to confidence, these songs laid the foundation for the project’s full impact.
First track leading up the EP, “Say Less” leans into minimalism. With shimmery textures and a steady pulse, the track shows Chandler’s ability to captivate without overcomplication. Lyrically, it suggests the power of silence—choosing when not to speak as an act of strength.
One of the EP’s most explosive moments is the track “Losin’ My Mind”, this track channels the overwhelming spiral of intrusive thoughts. Its production swells like a storm, building on elements of alt-rock grit and electronic distortion, while her vocals capture the desperation of trying to keep control.
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Urgent and emotionally raw, “Emergency (SOS)” plays like a cry for help wrapped in a pop anthem. Its pounding beat and rising intensity make the chorus hit like a panic attack in real time. Here, the electronic influence shines through, but it’s Chandler’s delivery that makes it unforgettable. A sharp contrast to the heavier tracks, “Supermodel” bursts with confidence and playful bravado. It leans into pop flair while carrying the edge of alt and electronic textures. It’s glamourous, bold, and catchy—a reminder that empowerment can sit alongside vulnerability in her music.
The EP’s track list rounds out with “Late to the Game,” a song that bridges her singer-songwriter roots with her evolving pop production. Its reflective lyrics and moody atmosphere deepen the emotional arc of the project. Together, these five tracks show Chandler’s commitment to blending genres without losing focus. Each song is distinct, but when placed side by side, they sound like chapters of the same story.
Coming Up for Air, Chandler proves that she’s not only unafraid to break rules—she thrives by doing so. Coming Up for Air is more than an EP; it’s a statement of who she is and where she is headed.