Genres: Indie Pop, Alt Pop, Dark Pop, Indie Rock
Serbian indie outfit Bitter Blue returns with their compelling new single, “Port Wine Blood”. Blending reverb-laden guitars, synth-infused dark pop atmospherics and an unforgettable chorus, the track offers another glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated debut full-length album, scheduled for release in September 2026.
The creative vehicle of songwriter Luka Nikolić, Bitter Blue was born from a desire to transform life’s more difficult moments into something meaningful and uplifting. Drawing inspiration from the infectious songwriting of bands such as Foals, The Smiths, The Strokes, The Neighbourhood, and Bloc Party, the project combines emotional honesty with anthemic hooks that linger long after the final note fades.
“Port Wine Blood” continues that tradition, exploring themes of love, fear, and the overcoming of self-doubt in a life full of uncertainties. The single showcases Bitter Blue’s evolving sound, equal parts introspective and expansive, while hinting at the ambitious artistic vision behind the forthcoming debut LP.
The release follows the growing success of Bitter Blue’s acclaimed debut EP, Levity, released in 2024 through Tribal Rajber. Written by Luka Nikolić and produced by Stefan Mark Milojković at Buzz Box Studio, the EP introduced listeners to a band unafraid to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion. Alongside Nikolić, the lineup features Milan Mirić (vocals), Miloš Dabetić (bass), and Milojković (drums and production).
Speaking about the upcoming album, Nikolić reflects on the creative process, “It definitely feels like the first time in my life I’ve been involved in creating actual art, not just music. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last 20 years of writing and performing, it’s that there is beauty to be found in creating art even when the world is going mad and life seems too complex to grasp. Making this record felt like meditating on the top floor of a burning skyscraper, in the best possible way. It’s a colorful album filled with a whole lot of life, a little bit of death, and everything else sprinkled in between for good measure.”
The forthcoming LP represents the band’s most intentional and fully realized work to date, with every lyrical, musical, and visual element serving a larger artistic purpose. “Port Wine Blood” stands as a powerful introduction to that next chapter.
Since the release of Levity, Bitter Blue has attracted international media attention and critical praise from outlets including Happy Mag, V13 Media, Spill Magazine, Obscure Sound, Rock At Night, Ink 19, and Conversations About Her, all highlighting the band’s distinctive blend of emotional depth and indie-pop accessibility.
With “Port Wine Blood,” Bitter Blue further establishes itself as one of the most exciting emerging voices in the Balkan alternative scene, delivering a song that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Danielle Holian | danielle.holian@decentmusicpr.com