Charlie Smith - “Not a demo anymore” Album Review

 

Released: November 18th, 2022

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While we normally only cover music released within the past month or two, Charlie Smith’s Not a demo anymore was something I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write about. With plenty of lyrical depth and interesting songwriting behind the fairly minimalist singer-songwriter’s 11-track release, Charlie has some honest integrity to his music. Described by the artist as ‘punk-inspired’, we’re taking a close listen and look at what makes Not a demo anymore something you may want to check out. Charlie has a lot to say here, and we are wise to listen!

The album starts with a sort of noisy, static-soaked intro that sounds like a warm-up and tuning session at a live performance. Not much to really pay attention to here, you may not be sure what to expect once the next track, “As you were”, promptly greets you with chord strums and Charlie’s smooth, yet slightly gritty voice carrying a nice tune. For the next 9 tracks, you are given a front row seat to this almost lounge-like, MTV-unplugged-esque performance, where Charlie lets you in on some perhaps life experiences or metaphors relating to any given message the song may be pushing. At times the guitars go electric and even a little layered, such as in “I own a tree” and “Point of view”, both of which I consider personal favorites.

‘My big influences are classic artists such as Bob Dylan, and John Lennon but also alternative rock artists such as the Smashing Pumpkins. I think you will be able to hear all this throughout the different tracks.’ 

The Smashing Pumpkins feels quite evident on “Point of view”, as it bears reminiscence of the Mellon Colie era instrumentally. Perhaps if Billy Corgan went more acoustic or guitars-only, this is along the lines of what that might be like. However, I hear more of a young Kurt Cobain in Charlie’s voice. In fact, much of the album feels like an acoustic collection of B-sides from Nevermind, and that is not to at all pigeonhole Charlie’s work, but simply to identify the alternative, grungey tinge within it. His voice resonating like a fine cup of coffee or smooth drag of a cigarette only adds to this ‘90s atmosphere across the album.

Hailing from England, UK, Charlie’s socials indicate the existence of this project being from around summer of 2020, despite the 3-song Munched! and Digestive Biscuit titles being released in 2019. This makes me wonder if the project found heightened progress over COVID lockdown? My reason for mentioning this is observation of the creative and artistic explosion seen during a time of sheer dread and uncertainty of the future; A case of art, music, poetry, and general creativity proving to bring light and live on even in the darkest of times. 

At any rate, with a couple full-lengths, a handful of singles, and one demo under his belt, Charlie has found plenty of traction according to his Spotify streams. Yes, I know, these numbers tend to go up and down and have their variables, as with any metric. But we cannot discount that clearly something is sticking with Charlie’s music, especially given it has landed him this review, today! Maybe it’s familiarity, maybe it’s his voice, or perhaps a case of right time and place; Regardless, Not a demo anymore has a flavor to it that seems to be working really well.

Don’t just take our word for it, click any of the links at the start of this article to follow Charlie Smith and listen for yourself! Be sure to give Not a demo anymore all the spins your heart desires, and help bring Mr. Smith across the pond! Even with its homages to punk mentality, the album feels fairly gentle in overall sound. Perhaps this is one for a rainy day with your favorite cup of coffee; You decide!