Written by Marilù Ciabattoni
Discovered via Musosoup
Entirely written by Charise Sowells, Obsolescent Adolescent displays a wide variety of styles and influences cultivated by the artist in the past few years. The artist’s voice shines throughout the album as she takes us on a journey of love, heartbreak, almightiness, and hope for a “better day,” in her own words.
Obsolescent Adolescent is an album of contrasts: while some songs have more articulate lyrics, others are rather minimalistic and rely on the repetition of a few key lines or on the artist’s skillful vocals. The song that best represents these contrasts is “I Am The Universe,” where Charise sings: “I am everything / and I am nothing / I am both / and I am neither / I am everyone / and I am no one / I am the universe.”
“Morning Breath” is a languidly romantic opening track which becomes more grunge-rock as it progresses. To some, the phrase “Give me your morning breath / I want your morning breath” might sound pretty offputting, so I think it’s bold of Charise to start her album with this pick.
Characterized by very minimalistic lyrics, “Heartbreak Town” reminds me of Janis Joplin’s version of “Summertime:” Charise voice is spot-on and the electric guitar in the background nicely accompanies her singing. After a brief climax, the arrangement winds down, leaving space for a piano that leads us to the end. I love the metaphor of heartbreak represented as a town, permeating everything the artist experiences.
After the heartbreak, we’re presented with “Bedroom Eyes,” a seductive track giving 007 vibes and featuring psychedelic guitars. In “I Never Loved You,” Charise sings over what sounds like a ukulele arrangement with the addition of some unusual instruments. Also typical of the artist, her songwriting heavily relies on repetition and alternating formulas. Unlike the rich arrangement, here the lyrics are pretty minimalistic.
One of my favourite tracks on the records, “Magical Month” is a deeply hypnotizing track. I’m loving how the artist doubles her vocals in some key sections of the song. In “Even Grace Ages,” the artist seeks reassurance for her lover’s devotion towards her as time goes by, showing her most vulnerable self. It might also be a critique of the expectation that women should do their best to prevent aging, as if it were something they can choose.
“Twilight Hour” feels like a poem and the arrangement is very chill and “atmospheric.” In the helplessly romantic and minimalistic “Still Waiting,” Charise sings: “She is waiting for love. Will he ever come for her? Will he ever come?”
“Pura Vida” is a bittersweet song that sees the artist interrogating herself on the life she would be living if she didn’t have student dept: “If I didn’t have student loans / I would move to Costa Rica. / If I didn’t have student loans, / I’d be living the Pura Vida.” The rhyme is a bit cheesy, but funny. “Validate Me” offers a very stereotypical take on the social media generation, representing technology as evil. What saves the track from its cliche nature is the grunge instrumentals that remind me of the Pixies.
With “Better Day,” Charise ends Obsolescent Adolescent on a positive note, wishing her listeners better times to come. The track presents beautiful melodies and guitar arrangements as she lists the people she wishes well to. Overall, it is a nice way to end the album.
Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator