Charlotte Carpenter has done it all inside the music industry. Whether it’s music, podcasts or coffee, you can count on her to release something good. On A Modern Rage, she returns to her artistic roots to detail why a problematic working relationship with a producer almost derailed her career. Feeling like less of an introduction and more of a celebration of leaving the past behind.
‘The Call’ begins with a subdued performance. Ominous guitars chime out against a vast atmosphere as Charlotte asks, “Can you hear me call?” throughout. It is haunting and like a tension is present, making the instruments move cautiously. It makes way for ‘Spinning Plates’, which combines on-the-nose lyrics with an upbeat, crunchy instrumental that chugs along at a far catchier pace. As the lyrics battle against pressure, it lets loose on the chorus, which erupts very nicely. I imagine it to be a long-awaited sigh of relief.
New single ‘You’re My Reason Why’ adds levity to the record, producing her own version of a dystopian love story as Charlotte documents the time spent indoors with her wife during lockdown. Stripping away the routines of normalcy and refocusing on priorities, nestled nicely between crunchy guitars, it feels like a needed warmth in an album full of darker topics.
‘Not Good Enough’ is a real highlight of the album. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, the song moves at a mid-tempo that allows it to build organically. With a full instrumental complete with acoustic guitars, keys, and drums, it sounds really well-crafted, and makes for a great foundation for the vocals to sit on top. Projecting lyrics questioning one’s worth and whether it is all worth it, it’s a real intimate listen while displaying Charlotte’s songwriting abilities.
Where we felt very grounded by ‘Not Good Enough’, ‘Like A Hurricane’ throws us back in the air with a spiralling instrumental that illustrates confusion perfectly. Its gritty guitar riff adds an edge to the album, and the slightest of Country twang gives it a bit of personality too.
A Modern Rage is a great album. It is probably unlike many debut efforts, as it feels like a complete project within itself. As it opens and closes on an experience that Charlotte can now move on from, while also celebrating being a record that she has created on her own terms. It gives an open, honest account of all of the experiences and emotions felt during that time and highlights just one example of something that, sadly, happens at all levels of the industry. Alongside its heavy topics are a set of instrumentals that provide everything you could want. From loud to soft, intimate to vibrant – it’s all here for you to enjoy all year round.