Of the nearly 1,000 posts on We Close Tonight (Seriously? Christ…), I can say hand on heart that Charlotte Carpenter is undoubtedly in my personal top ten of all the artists that have ever featured. Having done some digging, the first time she graced my ears was back in August 2014 with ‘Take It All‘ and every release right through to newbie ‘Shelter‘ has been utterly astounding.
At no point in that time has her talent for writing blues music in an accessible way that makes it darkly entertaining ever wavered. That defining voice has matured slightly but still retains that essential drawl that could make her a folk great as the riffs, melodies and emotions come flying with the same ferocity as always. It has never been about trying to be too flashy and ‘Shelter‘ once again sees a slow, toe-tapping rhythm built upon slightly with a simple yet genius guitar riff be all it takes to light that spark few others can begin to muster. Perhaps it would be easy to say that Carpenter’s definite, confident voice is what makes her stand out and prick up the ears. But that doesn’t even begin to cover it, there’s just something so magical about how she curates every track that I can’t even begin to comprehend why it captivates me so much.
In case it isn’t already obvious, I have something of an emotional attachment to Charlotte Carpenter‘s music as it has been a real staple of my listening at testing times in my life. But there’s not a doubt in my mind that she is an absolute genius, regardless of any personal connection, and her music truly deserves to be listened to and savoured, no matter who you are.
We Close Tonight 