Charlie Simpson’s musical path has been a very public one. The music tastes the average 26 year-old moves between and develops over the years are normally restricted to an ever-changing iTunes playlist and choosing between your favourite band tour t-shirts.
But growing-up as part of Busted, leaving and providing the catalyst for the end of Busted, to move on to the harder rock of group Fightstar, showed an extreme shift in musical genres. And now as Fightstar take a hiatus, Charlie’s solo sound shifts once more.
Taking on what could be best described as folk with an essence of rock running through its spine, comes taster EP ‘Parachutes’ which opens with a drum loop you could be mistaken for Bloc Party’s ‘So Here We Are’. It continues to take on that edge with heartfelt lyrics a far cry from the Busted days of the 'Year 3000', when “triple breasted women swam around town totally naked”. Thankfully.
A simplistic but effective approach to production, I hate to use the word ‘mature’ when it comes to someone so relatively young in age but experienced in the industry, but it’s the honesty that shows a man who has grown into a musical style he seems at last comfortable in and it suits him. A few influences are blaringly obvious, particularly the addition of a few Coldplay background ‘woahs’, the new found freedom of being a solo artist means you need to find your influences from somewhere other than your now non-existent band mates.
Second track 'Skin And Bones' drives from start with promise but seems to continue driving down a never-ending road with seemingly no scenery or turns. Some impressive Fleet Foxes-esque harmonies save it near the end with a change in tempo, but it feels as though this track has been cleverly positioned so in the track list it hides between two much finer songs.
While scanning the sleeve (yes he’s still pretty) in fact the artwork wouldn’t look out of place advertising Fatface’s summer sale – however, what strikes me is that the once monotone vocals I associated with Charlie’s previous work, now boast a more layered and almost colourful palette which convince me of an emotional belief in each song.
But it’s actually the final track, ‘Dead Man Walking’ which truly impresses. A haunting guitar introduction of almost a minute sounds a long time on paper, but beautifully played you almost wish it continued a bit longer. Not being disrespectful to Charlie’s vocal of course, for when it does come in it’s a pleasant surprise of tone I’ve certainly not heard him sing before and it’s captivating. Stripped back, the production is just enough to give it the most incredible atmosphere; a song which wouldn’t sound out of place at that pivotal moment of a film when, in this case, boy loses girl.
The two extra versions of ‘Parachutes’ on the EP come courtesy of a live recording from Charlie’s debut solo gig at The Tabernacle and an ‘unplugged’ studio version. Both show that years of playing in bands have enabled him to develop his live performance, live vocals and acquire that sound which particularly with these more acoustic tracks, needs to be both clear and seamless.
It’s different to Busted, it’s different to Fightstar, but that’s the whole point of being a solo artist – the freedom to do what you want without the constraints of other influences and opinions. His full album ‘Young Pilgrim’ is released later in the month, with this single and EP being a taster of what to expect.
I’d say, give him a chance. Too many ex-pop band members get written off with their previous work and face prejudice by the ignorant that solo material will be just the same. It surprised me, and my previous memory of Charlie was bouncing around the stage at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party after winning Best Haircut. But this, clearly his own style and perhaps what he’s wanted to do for a long time, is definitely worth a listen without assumption.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
But it’s actually the final track, ‘Dead Man Walking’ which truly impresses. A haunting guitar introduction of almost a minute sounds a long time on paper, but beautifully played you almost wish it continued a bit longer. Not being disrespectful to Charlie’s vocal of course, for when it does come in it’s a pleasant surprise of tone I’ve certainly not heard him sing before and it’s captivating. Stripped back, the production is just enough to give it the most incredible atmosphere; a song which wouldn’t sound out of place at that pivotal moment of a film when, in this case, boy loses girl.
