Released on 28th February, SABOTAGE is CHARLES’ double EP. The Belgian artist presents a fascinating, intimate, and introspective dark-pop experience. Review.
SABOTAGE – CHARLES
Mon ombre opens SABOTAGE with CHARLES‘ ethereal voice, creating a contrast between hope and despair. The track is titled Insecure in English, offering the same theme from a different angle. The melody remains the same, though the words resonate differently. This track feels intimate thanks to the simplicity of the production, even as it reaches an epic crescendo towards the end. Next, we encounter silence. It starts similarly with a whispered voice but quickly shifts with a more pop-driven tempo and deeper beats. It effectively uses this depth and dark atmosphere to explore themes of abuse, sending chills down the listener’s spine. CHARLES addresses control and sabotage—specifically, the sabotage of her inner peace. Its English counterpart is indeed named Inner Peace.
On miroir (Red Light in English), doubt grow to become overwhelming. CHARLES reflects on addictions and the anxiety that comes with them, all laid over a perfectly catchy and unforgettable rhythm. In French, the song speaks of partying and alcohol; in English, it’s about opioids. CHARLES doesn’t shy away from exploring these darker themes. She confronts her struggles with addiction more directly in marbre/Marble. She closes with Le Mal En Personne/Bad Person, where brutal lyrics follow a gentle yet not shy guitar, creating a deeply intimate atmosphere once again. This track is a delicate prayer, a plea for forgiveness, and a moment of personal reflection—a profoundly human song.
This is an EP that requires courage to release. With SABOTAGE, CHARLES reveals herself as incredibly vulnerable, sincere, and raw. What makes it even more impressive is that she does this for the first time in two languages: her native French and her artistically natural English. Whether you listen to one language more than the other, it doesn’t diminish its emotional impact. With polished production and captivating lyrics, CHARLES combines them with heart, marking the beginning of a new era for her.
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