Song Review - Bellwether - “Charade”
REVIEW BY: SARAH BONNET
SUPPORT FOR DEBUT SINGLE ‘SHORTSIGHTED’
“Fiercely infectious and honest pop punk with an epic throw of 90's energy. It's sharp and I loved those growly moments so much.” – 4.5/5 stars
Claire Mooney - triple j (AUS)
“A breath of fresh air. This single takes you back to the 90’s pop-punk era when everything was more simple, fun and exciting!”
Substream Magazine (USA)
“The perfect amalgamation of punchy beats and catchy hooks, mind-melting lyrical prowess and infinite charisma.”
Blunt Magazine (AUS)
“Bellwether are about to become Australia’s newest pop-punk sensations.”
Wall of Sound (AUS)
Earlier this year, the alt pop-punk band Bellwether released their debut single “Shortsighted” and immediately became one of the most exciting additions to Sydney’s alternative scene. Even before hearing it, I knew that their second single “Charade” would hit hard but I wasn’t expecting it to hit this hard from the first note.
Half a second in and the fast-paced guitar riff pulls us in. It feels like being grabbed, thrown into a chaotic pop-punk mosh pit and I’m here for it. A frenetic drum fill comes in a few seconds later and leads us straight into a huge “full band” intro which combines heavy, “in-your-face” guitars with subtler synth melodies. The drums sound extremely big and punchy (what else would you expect from Stevie Knight? (producer)) and take the song to the next level. On top of it all, a lead guitar plays a memorable melody, the cherry on top of an already exciting intro.
The first verse, still very upbeat and energetic, is also packed with emotion. A simple but pleasing piano melody complements the vocals nicely, which James (Graham, vocalist) delivers with just the right amount of grit and honesty for the track.
A fun gang vocals “woooooah” takes us to the chorus, which sounds mostly like the intro but with anthemic vocals added to it. It’ll definitely be a great time for sing-alongs and finger pointing when the band plays this song live.
The chorus is followed by a more spacious post chorus in which we can hear the nice and gritty bass tone clearly. The second verse starts as vigorously as the first one, and the vocals are pushed one step further with some of the highest notes of the song being reached. And of course, it wouldn’t be a pop punk song without that typical fast palm-muted guitar in the second verse.
The bridge consists of a huge build up that is both exciting and relatable as the vocalist sings “I’m not enough and I know I’ve never been....”. Which then leads us to a guitar solo that hypes us up one more time before the final chorus.
I often hear people say that the beginning and the ending are the most important parts of a song. Bellwether really nailed that aspect of songwriting, with that opening guitar riff grabbing our attention from the first note and those weird extra drum hits at the very end, keeping us on your toes even after the last note.
This song is only Bellwether’s second song ever and I am very excited to see what they have to offer next.
BELLWETHER
UPCOMING SHOWS
SAT 18 DEC | AM//PM EMO NIGHT @ THE BURDEKIN, SYDNEY NSW
Supporting Bloom
Click for tickets
Following on from their venerated debut single ‘Shortsighted’, Sydney-based pop-punk band Bellwether have just revealed their frenzied new cut ‘Charade’ – produced by Stevie Knight (Stand Atlantic, Yours Truly, The Dead Love) and mixed by James Paul Wisner (Hands Like Houses, Underoath).
Beginning with frantic guitars, a drum roll crescendo hurtles into an onslaught of high energy instrumentation, as the meticulous vocals of front man James Graham pilot the resonant melody. Spirited with subtleties and technicalities, the pre-chorus builds towards a prominent hook, laden with resolute vocals and vivid undercurrents, while the lyrics divulge the sentiments of a modern cult classic.
Lead guitarist and songwriter Heath Joukadar explains the themes behind ‘Charade’:
“‘Charade’ is based on / inspired by the character Knives Chau from the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World movie and comics. The song is told from her perspective, and is directed towards the titular Scott Pilgrim as she expresses her feelings towards him, having been dumped for Ramona Flowers."
To support this release, Bellwether will be playing their debut show at AM//PM Emo Night Sydney in December, supporting heavy luminaries Bloom. Despite this being their first show together, the band members’ preceding projects have shared the stage with the likes of Yours Truly and Between You And Me, as well as international juggernauts Four Year Strong (USA), Knocked Loose (USA), Trash Boat (UK) and WSTR (UK).
Bellwether are exciting and fierce newcomers to the pop-punk scene. The foundations of their music are explored through the lens of pop culture and inspired by works of fiction including comic books, films and animated shows. Incorporating and embracing an extensive array of influences, their eclectic yet familiar sound is both restorative and refreshing.
‘Charade’ is available worldwide now
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