‘One Drop’ by Be Charlotte (Single)

Charlotte Brimner: veering from spoken word to tumbling harmonisation without a moment’s hesitation

This hotly tipped new Scottish trio display an eclectic mix of alternative and electronic influences on their superb new single

Dundee alternative trio Be Charlotte are comprised of James Smith (keyboard, bass), David Calder (drums) and the group’s namesake songwriter, Charlotte Brimner (programming, guitar, keys, vocals). Despite being at the formative stage their career, they’ve already begun collecting awards. After listening to One Drop you’ll understand why.

Opening with textured vocals and pounding drums, the track is near 30 seconds long before it truly begins to take shape; a throbbing synth line enters the fray and the influence of The Knife and Fever Ray are clear to hear. It’s not just electronic vibes at play, though, as a winding guitar line weaves it’s way in, taking Be Charlotte into the moody territory occupied by Radiohead on Amnesiac. Elsewhere, you’ll find elements of Massive Attack and Sneaker Pimps jostling for attention.

Sat atop all of this is Brimner’s vocal. Crisp, flailing and absorbing, it retains its regional Scottish richness and demonstrates both Brimner’s range and confidence, veering from spoken word to tumbling harmonisation without a moment’s hesitation.

2016 saw Be Charlotte receive the SSE Scottish Music Awards’ Big Apple Award and Best Electronic artist at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, following on from being honoured with Radio Tay’s New Talent Award in 2015. Both in spite and because of it’s brilliantly jarring style, One Drop is addictive and compulsive listening, and if it’s anything to go by 2017 should be an even more memorable year for Be Charlotte.

Verdict: Trip-hop, synthpop and alt-rock influences create an infectious brew

Damo Girling

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