From funky beats to soothing grooves, Charlie’s Hand Movements’ latest album ‘Somethingism’ is a sight, or rather, a sound to behold. The duo, Lance Keeble and Adam Gardner, their sound as "largely unsuccessful existentialist bedroom art-rock", which comes through in this album.
W D E K O, which stands for ‘We Don’t Even Know Ourselves’, is served with punchy beats, a crunchy atmospheric soundscape with hypnotic reverbs, definitely something you could catch yourself grooving to.
Slowly is the song you would go to for a chill pace, but still maintaining the alternative feel and leaning into that existential tone. The bassline and beats really add to the song’s drifty mood, acting both as an anchor, while also lending to the buzzy hum of the track..
White Noise This song leans into the atmospheric ‘crunch’ element, heightening that ‘white noise’ effect using distorted guitars and the overall mix that blends into each instrument and vocal layer seamlessly.
Extrasensory This track begins hyping you up, but in come the vocals with a morphed, slow-mo effect, making the song sound carefree and loopy at the same time. The bouncy instrumentation delivers a fun hook that stays with you long after the song is over.
Somethingism Aptly named ‘Somethingism’, the title track is the most existential out of all tracks, both in terms of writing and instrumentation. The breezy delivery and simmering synth backdrop are accompanied by funky beats and foot-tapping grooves underneath.
The Dice Another breezy song from the album, this one is led by both the vocals and the bass. The tingly sprinkle of delicate instrumentation comes from the synths, not taking up the spotlight, but getting the listener to settle into the music.
Ghosts This track begins with a purpose. Dynamic beats, subtly shimmering instrumentation and floaty vocals that are accompanied by an equally drifty guitar arpeggiation..
Nature’s Plan With a marching style of rhythm, the song retains its signature catchy-with-a-twist vibe, the twist here, being the drawl-y delivery, along with a brass accompaniment giving the song more spice.
Biologican Timebombs Just as it sounds, this track has the instrumentation that almost resembles a countdown with a swirly yet doom and gloom landscape. The use of synths are layered and textured almost as if they’re painted by light.
A Trick of the Light A lot more energetic and fast-paced, this track involves more woozy elements with its synths and backing vocals, where the synths swivel into the dark and vocals fade in and out seamlessly.
Endless Loop With a marching style of rhythm, the song retains its signature catchy-with-a-twist vibe, the twist here being the drawly delivery, along with a brass accompaniment giving the song more spice.
Overall, a great listen, especially if you’re into the alt rock and experimental art rock genres. Listen here-