Charlie PS is a Vancouver, Canada-based pop rock artist who Jane recently discovered for us through her track Raw. The song is part of her new five-track EP, telling the very personal story of her last three years. It’s called Even If It Kills Me.

By Graeme Smith

Though now based the other side of the world, Charlie was born right here in England. She released her first EP Little Miss Dysfunctional in 2018, earning her a fair few award nominations. Even If It Kills Me sees her pushing her sound even further and gives us a strong insight into her world.

The EP opens with its title track. It’s a bold and lively start, marrying pop, country and rock sentiments together in the instrumentals. The star of the show is certainly Charlie’s voice. It is instantly compelling, delivering with soul and passion, especially during an anthemic, singalong chorus that will get itself firmly stuck in your head. It’s a powerful opener.

Revival keeps things energetic, opening with a bluesy riff and some big vocal harmonies. It’s a track that contrasts light and dark nicely, celebrating Charlie’s own personal growth. Down to the Devil, conversely acknowledges that she’s not a finished product. Its smouldering, rhythmic arrangement makes it a highlight.

The aforementioned Raw goes all the way dark and it perhaps the EP’s heaviest rock moment with a gigantic blues riff and vocals that leave it all out there. Slow Burn closes the EP with something more outward-looking. It turns its lens on the frustrating modern music industry where there are more opportunities and competition than ever. It does so with some marching drums and blistering pop rock. It’s a final highlight.

Charlie PS is an artist with something to say and she’s not afraid to say it in no uncertain terms. Her new EP is simply a triumph. It combines relatable storytelling with instantly compelling instrumentals. She’s a definitely one to watch.

You can check out Even If It Kills Me below.