Charcoal Heather - Charcoal Heather

Charcoal Heather

Charcoal Heather
​self-released; 2021

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Charcoal Heather is a band originating from Prince George, British Columbia. The young members formed in 2019 and released an eight-song self-titled album Charcoal Heather. Like the rest of us the band was affected by Covid and was unable to gig so they decided to make an album.

The music feels pretty straightforward to me. It’s a rock album blending a number of sub genres like classic and prog rock. The band gets going with “Bottom Of The Ocean” which revolves around strummed chords, an inventive drum beat and a dynamic bass line. I was reminded of a band called The Decemberists at points. It’s one of the better songs on the album with a solid hook. 

“Secrets” had more of a classic rock vibe and even with a tinge of ’80s rock but I think that was mostly because of how the lead guitar part was played. I did however feel like I had a classic movie montage here. “Shining Lights” has the best hook yet. The verse sounds a bit like the song “Jessie’s Girl” and that was fine by me. They have some more success with “July” which contains some classic 101 rock moves. 

“James Dean,” “Clara” and “August” have their moments as well. They end with a ballad called “September” which has more of an Americana vibe.

I think the band is probably too young to have grown up with some of the influences I was hearing but I’m glad they are keeping the style of rock alive and well. The band is off to a good start in general. I thought the songs were well written and heartfelt. My only critique is to try avoiding too many rock cliche moves in the songs and chip away at finding a signature sound.

​This is a solid release and I look forward to hearing more. Take a listen.

linktree

bandcamp

Tweet