Although Charlotte Aitchison may not exactly be the provocative youngster shaking up today’s pop scene, one can’t overlook the substantial influence she wields in the sphere. With numerous songwriting credits to her name, her knack for producing striking pop tunes is unmistakable. Yet, in her latest, sixth album, the 31-year-old singer charts a somewhat divergent musical course.
Her album, Brat, allegedly draws inspiration from her youthful explorations into London’s unlawful rave culture. As she describes it, this is her “fiercest and most argumentative album” yet, a fact underscored by the songs that encapsulate it. The inaugural song, 360, features her vehemently asserting, “Regardless of your love or hate/ I’m indifferent to your opinion.” The final number, 365, portrays a fearless indulgence in pleasure: “As a club regular, I’m an unending party girl / Shall we go for a bit of cocaine?”
Despite this, it wouldn’t be a typical Charli XCX album without some catchy melodies interspersed among the abrasive and sarcastic lyrics. The way she composes lyrics without resorting to evasion or symbolism may occasionally seem discordant but is often intriguing. Songs such as I Might Say Something Stupid and Rewind reflect on her position and trajectory in the pop industry, with the latter reminiscing a “less complicated era”. Girl, So Confusing addresses a doppelganger pop star of hers she’s constantly likened to. She dedicates the emotionally-charged So I to the late Scottish pop icon Sophie. I Think About It All the Time delineates the clash between her professional aspirations and her longing for motherhood.
Regardless of her candid lyrics, this album represents a musically adventurous ride, matching any of Aitchison’s past works. The rave vibe, with its club aesthetics, takes conspicuous presence in songs like Talk Talk, produced by Hudson Mohawke, and the delightfully disreputable Von Dutch. The orchestral flourish of Everything Is Romantic ushers in a nervy, dance-hall-influenced rhythm, while elements of the unsettling Club Classics seem reminiscent of Aphex Twin’s style.
“I’m Not a Drinkaholic – ‘I’d fancy a Guinness devoid of alcohol,’ says the chap. ‘Would you care for a book of sketches and colouring sticks too?’
In theory, it seems all over the place and unconnected, however in reality, it’s rather successful. In a seemingly sterilised popular culture scene, Charli XCX’s rebellious creativity has become more critical than ever.”