Charlotte Sometimes - By Request

Charlotte Sometimes – By Request [EP]
2014, MRI Associated

Charlotte Sometimes, AKA Jessica Charlotte Poland, is a NYC-based native of New Jersey.  Her singing and songwriting talents have seen her as a featured performer on The Warped Tour and a contest on Season 2 of The Voice.  Get beyond the popular acclaim, however, and Charlotte Sometimes is a fairly talented singer and songwriter.  Afflicted with Condylar Resorption during her teens, Charlotte had her jaw bone replace by two of her ribs.  None of this seems to have had the least effect on her voice on By Request. 

Charlotte opens with “Magic”, showing off an intriguingly full-bodied voice full of unusual and interesting timbres.  This is a great introduction; a catchy-folk/rock number with an urgent chorus.  You could imagine Charlotte as something of a cross between Chrissie Hynde and Dolores O’Riordan and not be far off the mark.  “Paint The Sky” finds Charlotte exploring more of a country flavor while describing love as a difficult road.  There’s a plaintive sort of hope that underlies the text here.  It’s a great bit of songwriting, fractured with insecurities and question marks and a delicious musical sensibility. 

“Pumped Up Kicks” is a disturbing musical monologue that would fit nicely in a post-modern off-Broadway production.  Charlotte offers up a powerful vocal performance punctuated by an almost violent disaffection, making a defining impression in the process.  “Losing Sleep” is a complete 180, with Charlotte exploring an intimate vocal style with compelling intensity.  This is not a pretty song, per se, but it’s beautiful in its loneliness and distinctive sound.  When Charlotte goes into her belt she’ll blow most any room away.  This is a powerful musical attempt at becoming featuring just voice and guitar – A “wow” moment.

Charlotte Sometimes shows off many facets across the four songs on By Request.  You’ll be left wanting more, regardless of where your musical mores take you.  By Request is a break out effort that should (in a perfect world) make Charlotte Sometimes a nationally known performer.  Spread the word.  Down the road you can remind everyone else when you first told them about Charlotte Sometimes.

Rating:  4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.charlottesometimesmusic.com.