CHARMLESS i
Every once in while you discover a new band which immediately hooks you with their fresh and yet recognizably pleasant sound. Such a band you’re about to discover right now. The energetic four-piece is called Charmless i. The band is the brainchild of Dutch singer-songwriter Alex Pasveer, who has made many flight hours with his former band Steed, which released two studio albums and toured extensively at home and abroad.
Alex has now written a dozen or so criminally catchy tracks of which the first single ‘Fire Up (Here We Go)’ was released on 11 May 2018 by TCBYML. It has led to a great deal of enthusiastic attention on social media and a Top 5 position in the Dutch Indie Chart. Giant Leap For My Kind is already the next single in order to keep the fire of attention burning. This fall, after the 4th one, there will be a physical EP release on vinyl containing all the singles. The four tracks are mastered by Andy Vendette, who has worked with artists such as David Bowie and Beastie Boys. You will undoubtedly notice the touch of this master.
Giant Leap For My Kind is a representative acquaintance with the energetic sound of Charmless i, in which a firm guitar sound is combined with modern stuff such as synth-bass and electronic drums. The other tracks of the band are also refined and anthem-like and will be eagerly consumed by those who like bands such as New Order, Blur, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Stone Roses and the like. Need more anchor? Let’s call it ‘Electro-Britrock’.
Alongside Alex you may notice a familiar face on lead guitar, a rudely revived musical career of Rutger van Mourik. He is the former frontman of Britpop band Flemming who released two highly acclaimed albums on Warner Music during the first decade of the century. The rhythm section of the band is solid as a rock, drummer Bart Klomp and bass player Auke Haaksma are a class act. They met during their studies at the conservatory in Alkmaar, therefore know each other thoroughly and are able to musically relate on a very high level.
And the band name is ironic of course. We are extremely charming indeed.