Ergo, Bria Breaks Boundaries Once Again with Her Explosive Single “Taste Like Candlesticks”

Emerging from the vibrant musical tapestry of Nashville by way of Atlanta, Ergo, Bria (aka Bria McCollum) is quickly carving out her place in the alternative rock and punk spheres. Known for her genre-defying sound and raw lyrical authenticity, Ergo, Bria’s new single, “Taste Like Candlesticks,” released Friday, December 13th, solidifies her status as a bold artist unafraid to challenge conventions and dive into uncomfortable truths.

From the very first notes, “Taste Like Candlesticks” draws listeners into a sonic journey where vulnerability collides with ferocity. The track opens with a softly jangling guitar riff accompanied by a subdued bassline that sets a deceptively gentle tone. Bria’s poignant vocal delivery enters, dripping with emotion and subtle menace, before the song erupts into a thunderous anthem. Propelled by muscular riffs, driving drum patterns, and soaring choruses, the track grips listeners with its intensity and emotional catharsis.

At its core, “Taste Like Candlesticks” is a biting exposé of duplicity, self-delusion, and societal facades. The opening lines—”Oh so sweet / What a beauty / She’s got everything, she all you need”—immediately set up a narrative of admiration tinged with suspicion. The subject is an individual who appears perfect on the surface, a “people pleaser” who wears masks of authenticity but ultimately deceives and manipulates.

Bria’s lyrics balance directness with poetic intrigue, painting a vivid portrait of someone whose allure is as fleeting and artificial as the scent of a candlestick. The recurring refrain, “Her lips taste like candlesticks,” is a metaphor loaded with contradiction. Candlesticks evoke imagery of light and warmth, yet here, they suggest something waxy, inauthentic, and unpalatable. It’s a sharp commentary on the false sweetness of the subject’s personality, which melts away under scrutiny.

Lines such as “She’s made of pure plastic / Oh how generic” are both scathing and reflective, criticizing not only the individual but the societal systems that reward surface-level perfection over genuine depth. The song’s bridge, with its lines like “A two-faced wasted so take your warning / She’s getting her way, she’ll leave you crawling,” builds to a cautionary crescendo, emphasizing the song’s overarching theme: a plea for vigilance in a world of facades.

What truly sets Ergo, Bria apart is her ability to meld profound lyrics with an equally compelling sonic landscape. Her classical training as a pianist, violist, and violinist informs her songwriting, adding layers of complexity to her compositions. While “Taste Like Candlesticks” leans heavily into alternative rock and punk, the track retains a certain precision and depth that speaks to Bria’s mastery of her craft.

The instrumentation reflects the song’s thematic dichotomy. The gentle introduction mirrors the initial allure of the subject, drawing listeners into a false sense of calm. But as the song progresses, it explodes into a chaotic, unrelenting anthem, mirroring the unraveling of the subject’s façade. The juxtaposition of Bria’s haunting vocals with the aggressive instrumentation is nothing short of electrifying, creating a dynamic tension that keeps listeners on edge.

Bria’s artistry is rooted in defiance of convention. As a classically trained multi-instrumentalist and a Belmont University graduate, she brings an uncommon level of technical skill to her work. Yet she uses this foundation not to conform but to subvert. Her ability to blend genres, from punk and alternative rock to classical influences, sets her apart in a saturated music landscape.

Her career trajectory reflects her drive to push boundaries. Since her breakout track “Comfort Zone” in 2020, Bria has steadily gained traction, performing in major cities like New York, Atlanta, and Nashville. With each release, she demonstrates her willingness to tackle subjects that many artists shy away from, delving deep into themes of mental health, societal pressures, and the human condition.

“Taste Like Candlesticks” is a statement. It’s Ergo, Bria’s declaration that she refuses to be boxed in by genre or expectation. The single’s raw intensity, lyrical depth, and innovative production make it a must-listen for fans of alternative rock and punk, as well as anyone craving authenticity in their music.

In a world rife with imitation and artifice, Ergo, Bria emerges as a beacon of truth, wielding her music as both sword and shield. “Taste Like Candlesticks” is a fiery anthem for the disillusioned, a rallying cry for those who dare to see beyond the masks—and an unmissable introduction to an artist destined for greatness.