EP Review: Chartreuse - ‘Is It Autumn Already?’
In anticipation of their upcoming mini UK tour, Black Country quartet Chartreuse share mesmerising new EP ‘Is it Autumn Already’.
On six marvellous tracks, Chartreuse create an intimate spiral of sound, a world as haunting as it is enchanting. With a steady hand and soothing riffs, they weave Bon Iver-esque sceneries carried by smooth vocals and flowing instrumentals.
Moving between Hattie Wilson and Mike Wagstaff’s equally arresting vocals, the EP feels like a kaleidoscope of perspectives yet wonderfully coherent as Chartreuse slice through its gentle folkscapes with sharply observant lyricism. “Power shows itself silently breathing,” Hattie coos on opening track ‘Feed Be Fed’, chronicling the frustrations of being stuck in a cycle, while lead single ‘Things Are Changing Too Quickly’ finds Mike deep in philosophic thought: “Happy Birthday, what’s your worth today?” Undeniably poetic while strikingly relatable, ‘Is it Autumn Already’ is a record that begs to be heard.
Pulled by carefully structured melodies, the EP moves through a multitude of narratives culminating in the heartbreak of ‘Only You’ – a song that feels like falling to your knees. Intensely emotional and beautifully cinematic, this closing track leaves nothing to be desired. Dressed in vulnerability and desperation, it is quite literally a perfect conclusion to a breath-taking record.
If you haven’t already, this is your PSA to move Chartreuse to the top of your radar. Deeply fascinating and dangerously addictive, here is a band you do not want to miss out on!
Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven