Chartreuse – Wishing You Well and Blessings

      Eclectic indie pop with a distinctive charm...

      Black Country band Chartreuse displayed significant promise with their innovative take on indie rock in their 2023 debut album ‘Morning Ritual’. Now, the quartet makes their return with the eagerly awaited second album ‘Bless You & Be Well’, which broadens their musical style and confirms their status as a noteworthy group. This album eludes strict categorization, sweeping yet approachable.

      The title track takes some surprising turns right from the start, featuring a folk-influenced first half centered on vocals and guitar, with harmonies that are slightly off-kilter. When the drums enter, they provide an energetic boost. It’s fresh and unconventional, making for a bold album opener. ‘Fixin’ offers a more subdued experience, running just 96 seconds, yet it delivers substantial detail.

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      ‘I’m Losing It’ beautifully showcases the band’s folk influences, highlighting Harriet Wilson’s stunning vocals. In contrast, ‘Kid Won’t Eat’ is more expansive and atypical, infused with a palpable urgency. These two songs illustrate the dynamic balance of Chartreuse’s sound present throughout the album. ‘Sequence of Voices’ perfectly encapsulates their influences and growth as a band.

      ‘More’ carries a post-punk tint and has an underlying darkness. Driven by drums, it stands out as one of the more upbeat tracks on the album. Meanwhile, ‘Holiday From Normal Dreaming’ presents a prog rock essence, with prominent synths and slowed-down drums. It’s an enthralling listen, and similar to the rest of the album, it offers rewards upon repeated hearings, inviting deeper exploration.

      ‘Bless You & Be Well’ reflects a genuine sense of development and sophistication from Chartreuse; it moves beyond merely replicating their first album and is rich in creativity, with an adventurous spirit at its heart. The slightly offbeat harmonies of Wilson and Mike Wagstaff, along with the album’s structure, should appeal to fans of Divorce and Black Country New Road, while still showcasing what makes Chartreuse stand out.

      8/10

      Words: Chris Connor

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