Chartreuse – Enemy’s Belly Single Review
If the tracks are as consistent as this one then their new EP could be one of the better EPs of 2020
This is the second single from Chartreuse’s upcoming ‘Keep Checking Up On Me’ EP, due for release on 9th October through Communion Records. Chartreuse consist of four multi-instrumentalists, taking their name from a colour that cannot be seen when printed. For the uninitiated, their sound has been compared to artists like Nick Cave, The National and James Blake.
The track starts with spacious synths droning before Michael Wagstaff’s powerful voice steals the spotlight. There’s a real driving groove to it, where you feel there’s real purpose to the melodies and the direction they’re heading. There’s a definite emotionality to this music, creating an anxious environment with its disjointed drums. The production on this track is gorgeous. The drums on this track are so subtle in their delivery. Occasionally you feel a franticness but Wagstaff’s deeply powerful voice allays this, calming the listener with its bass-ridden warmth. Lyrically, this track speaks of cowardice and displays a positive outlook on this apparent “burrowing deeper underground”, stating that “I’ll aim high”. Towards the end of the song Chartreuse introduce some interesting synth parts that create a storm of harmonious voices intertwining with one another.
You can definitely hear some strong Bon Iver influences on this track so it’s no surprise that the band cite them as an influence. The video for the track was shot by director Joe Connor (Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Georgia) and was shot on the Long Mynd in Shropshire. Chartreuse spent much of their time in a rehearsal cabin for the making of this EP — less in homage to Justin Vernon more that it was the only secluded space they could find. It’s given them a chance to pore over every detail of their recorded sound and it has absolutely paid off. If the tracks are as consistent as this one then their new EP could be one of the better EPs of 2020; so I’m curious to see how it turns out.
