Emerging from the vibrant city of Bristol, England, Chandra is a powerful three-piece pop-rock band that is steadily carving a distinct niche for themselves in the modern music landscape. With a blend of catchy guitar-driven melodies, emotionally raw lyrics, and an unrelenting commitment to authenticity, Chandra, made up of frontman Chandra Nair (guitar, vocals), Mike Paul (lead guitar), and Chris Wong (bass), offers more than just music; they deliver a message. Their sound balances energetic rock-pop instrumentation with emotionally intelligent themes, boldly confronting issues often brushed aside; mental health, self-belief, vulnerability, and kindness.
At the core of their sound is Chandra Nair’s extraordinary voice, a unique and commanding presence that one music blogger aptly described as “the driving force… nothing short of extraordinary”. Chandra Nair himself explains that every lyric comes from a place of personal truth, often reflecting his own journey through struggle, growth, and the day-to-day reality of mental health. And in 2025, the band is doubling down on its creative mission, planning to release a brand-new single and music video every two months.
Released on April 11th, 2025, “We Want Our Planet Back” marks a bold and explosive start to the pop-rock band Chandra’s ambitious musical campaign of 2025, which promises a new single and music video every two months. This high-energy track is a prime example of what the band does best, merging fierce, riff-driven rock sounds with emotionally rich and socially conscious storytelling. Far from being just another protest anthem, this song is a vivid expression of generational frustration, a call to unity, and a reminder of the power of collective voices. Chandra, featuring Chandra Nair, Mike Paul, and Chris Wong, continues to prove that they are not only musically compelling but also deeply committed to making meaningful art that reflects the times.
Right from the opening bars, “We Want Our Planet Back” wastes no time in establishing its tone. A surge of gritty, distorted guitar riffs accompanied by thunderous percussion sets the stage for an urgent, action-oriented atmosphere. The sound is raw, aggressive, and undeniably energizing, signaling to the listener that this is not a track to be taken lightly. What makes this introduction so powerful is how quickly it pulls the listener into the core emotion behind the song; rage, desperation, and a thirst for change. The instrumentation acts as a vehicle for this emotional depth, with a sonic landscape that is equal parts chaotic and deliberate, reflecting the current state of the world and the growing unease of younger generations.
Lyrically, the song strikes a delicate balance between anger and optimism. It confronts environmental degradation and political inaction head-on, speaking directly to the feelings of helplessness that many people, especially young people, experience when facing global challenges. Chandra Nair, the band’s frontman and songwriter, pens lines that resonate deeply with listeners who feel sidelined in the face of systemic issues driven by greed and power. His lyrics act as a megaphone for collective frustration, but also as a beacon of hope, emphasizing that unity and action are not only possible but necessary. The repeated refrain of the song title becomes a chant, a mantra, and ultimately a call to arms.
Vocally, Chandra’s performance is nothing short of remarkable. His voice, often highlighted as the band’s standout feature, shines with a mix of melodic clarity and raw emotional grit. There is a deliberate effort to make the vocals not just heard but felt. His delivery captures the urgency of the message without slipping into melodrama, grounding the song in sincerity. The authenticity of his voice becomes a powerful tool, enabling listeners to connect with the music on a deeply emotional level, while also inspiring them to reflect on the song’s message.
Musically, “We Want Our Planet Back” is a masterclass in blending pop-rock accessibility with powerful, message-driven content. The band’s chemistry is evident throughout the track, as the guitar work of Mike Paul intertwines seamlessly with Chris Wong’s driving basslines. The rhythm section maintains a steady yet intense pace, reinforcing the song’s themes of resistance and momentum. The band builds each section of the song with careful layering and dynamic shifts, using instrumentation to mirror the song’s emotional journey. The energy is palpable and unrelenting, giving the track a feeling of forward propulsion that aligns perfectly with its theme of taking back control.
Production-wise, the track is a testament to Chandra’s attention to detail and evolving artistry. Co-produced by Chandra Nair and Elliot Vaughan (known for working on tracks like “Lifted” and “Overload”), the song is meticulously crafted without ever losing its edge. The mix is clean and intentional, allowing each instrument to breathe while still contributing to the song’s collective force. There is a warmth and richness to the sound that helps bridge the gap between intimate storytelling and anthemic scale. The production enhances the raw emotion of the vocals and the layered intensity of the instrumentation, creating a soundscape that is both expansive and deeply personal.
The experience doesn’t end with the audio, either. Chandra takes things a step further with a visually creative, semi-interactive music video that adds an extra layer of depth to the message. Viewers are offered two narrative paths: the “Hero” and the “Villain”. In the “Hero” path, the visuals are bright and uplifting, with a white background and Chandra donning a creatively designed white shirt, performing the song with unfiltered enthusiasm. This version reflects the optimism and hope embedded within the song. On the flip side, the “Villain” path presents a dark, satirical interpretation, where a character in a black suit and dollar-sign shades personifies the corruption and greed that the song critiques. This dual-path concept adds depth to the viewer experience, encouraging active engagement and reinforcing the song’s core theme, that we each have a choice in shaping the future of our planet.
Ultimately, “We Want Our Planet Back” is far more than just a song. It is a movement wrapped in melody, a protest voiced through power chords and percussion. It stands as one of Chandra’s most defining tracks to date, encapsulating the essence of their mission to create music that is not only enjoyable but also impactful. With this release, the band sets the bar high for what is to come in their 2025 release schedule. By confronting difficult truths with infectious energy and unwavering sincerity, Chandra invites listeners to be more than passive consumers of music, they urge them to become active participants in change. In a world that often feels too loud to be heard, “We Want Our Planet Back” dares to shout louder.
For more information about Chandra, click on the icons below.
Listen to “We Want Our Planet Back” by Chandra and many more in our Rock / Electric Guitar Based playlist.
