Five years have passed since the release of Charly Bliss’ last album, Young Enough, and during that time, the band have experienced significant changes. Lead vocalist Eva Hendricks relocated halfway across the world to Australia, while her brother Sam, who is the drummer for the band, has embraced fatherhood and now has two children. Despite these life-altering developments, the band’s primary goal with their latest album, Forever, is simply to have fun.
Charly Bliss seem to have achieved that goal right from the start. Opening track, ‘Tragic’, is a delightful blend of power-pop with a hint of noughties-pop nostalgia, reminiscent of artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen. It’s characterised by harmonious guitar melodies and catchy synth beats that come together to create a truly infectious sound.
‘Calling You Out’ is equally as captivating, holding personal and emotive lyrics as Hendricks delves deeper into her tendencies to sabotage relationships and her struggle to find faults in situations as a means of self-protection. The song effortlessly demonstrates the band’s pop sensibilities with ease yet also serves as a contemplation of personality and the tendency to cling to what is familiar rather than embracing new opportunities.
‘Nineteen’ then opens with powerful piano chords and emotional vocals that explore the depths of heartbreak. As it progresses, it then bursts to life, propelled by vibrant synth work that elevates the track to a triumphant crescendo. It’s a track that has a level of warmth seeping out of it, oozing with confidence, whilst presenting Charly Bliss at their most mature.
At this point, it feels as though the momentum comes to a sudden halt. Forever then transitions into a series of slower-paced tracks, asserting their presence. ‘I’m Not Dead’ stands out, hearkening back to the band’s Guppy days, emanating raw emotion and frustration. However, its impact feels diluted when juxtaposed with the heavy effects used on ‘How Do You Do It’.
‘Easy to Love You’ shows a significant departure from the band’s typical sound, showcasing their bold exploration of diverse musical styles that go beyond traditional genre boundaries. It reimagines the ballad format, weaving a narrative of love whilst defying conventions but maintaining a sense of familiarity.
Forever showcases a wide variety of sounds and styles. While Charly Bliss are clearly excited to explore new musical territories, it seems that their approach could benefit from further fine-tuning. Characterised by intense emotions, and while at times they may feel somewhat overwhelming, Forever’s upbeat nature and self-assured perspective makes for an intriguing listen.
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