This is quite simply one of the best songs to cross my path this year. Having heard just a little of Charlotta Kerbs And The Strays ’s work before, this song “Janis” offered a surprising step in a totally compelling and wonderful direction. The acoustic rawness of the track combined with this ongoing sense of rhythm and melodic development that it exercises gives it the immediately satisfying aura of a well-crafted, interesting, and poetically refreshing piece of music and writing.
“Janis” is a track that utilizes its own raw energy to create an intense and infectious piece of music and performance. The only moments where things fall back a little are during the hooks – an unusual way to craft a song, perhaps adding further to this sense of identity and carefree confidence that Charlotta Kerbs And The Strays undoubtedly offers. Rather than building up towards an immense drop, the entire track is that drop – the whole thing holds you captive, throwing line after line into your head until you finally reach this point of calm; where you can take a breath, consider, reflect on it all.
Reach is an addictive release, soaked in both originality and experience, showcasing a rapper with impressive levels of skill in both lyricism – writing, wordplay – and performance. The value of it hits a certain peak that makes the quiet that follows the track feel a little too overwhelming or dull, and so begin the replays. Things start over – this manipulated, circus-like riff, Kade’s immediately familiar voice, and energy, and these thoughtful, provocative, intelligent ideas, all return to sky-rocket you back into the center of the hype. With every new listen, something else stands out and recaptures your affection. Hopefully, there’s plenty more music to come as the year progresses.
Without a doubt, the songwriter has crafted this track effectively, utilizing a simple verse melody – short lines that build up the intensity throughout, and a meandering delivery that pours through in a believably longing manner. Production-wise the song is interesting for the way it brings together the sounds of today with some that are perhaps a little more retro and even jazz-inspired.
The first vocals verse a quick and rather manic performance that again adds a lot to the rising intensity of the piece. There’s a lot at work structurally and this helps seal the deal in terms of Charlotta Kerbs And The Strays’s own identity as awesome artists. The track has a simple but memorable hook that stands tall on its own strength and vulnerability combined. It’s a subtle but certain ear-worm that’s easily recognizable after a couple of listens.
