The album is suitably gothic and you get a strong sense of how each reflects the changing tone in the story itself.
Charli XCX’s album accompanying Emerald Fennell’s take on Charlotte Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is a fascinating listen, capturing the gothic nature of the story but still maintaining a contemporary lens.
Whether it is ‘House’ featuring John Cale or ‘Chains of Love’, there is plenty of variety musically that keeps the listener enthralled – whether or not you have seen the film it inspired. The story’s theme of obsession and desire is well covered throughout the album but yet somehow it is an album that manages to ensure that it can be listened to away from the film.
Particular standout tracks include the multi-layered ‘Wall of Sound’ that has a genuinely sweeping and haunting quality to it that brings to mind the moors in which the story takes place on. Meanwhile, ‘Always Everywhere’ offers a complete contrast in tone and pace – with certain aspects bringing to mind a certain famous song by Kate Bush.
There is a real diversity in the way in which each song has been constructed and it can seem as though the way in which the album has been structured is a little bit jarring – but there is no denying that it is fascinating to listen to.
Equally, there is a real thrill listening to tracks such as ‘Out of Myself’ which exudes in confidence and boldness that makes it a stand out song, while ‘Open Up’ while on the surface is calm it is unsettling in the way in which it unfolds.
Perhaps the only thing that could be a minor flaw is the wya in which sometimes the power of the music and the layers of music are built up that the lyrics feel slightly lost to make an even more powerful impact.
This being said, songs such as the poetic sounding ‘Altars’ that is irresistible and consistently fascinating to listen to, alongside ‘My Reminder’ offer a range of emotions that pull the listener in. The gothic quality of each song is constantly on display.
Overall, Charli XCX’s interpretation of Wuthering Heights through music is really fitting but can be listened to through modern music fans and how relationships can be turned toxic very quickly. In may ways it is a powerful listen.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️