Auckland alt-pop act Charisma Club unveils a hooky, radiant sound while exploring the uncertainties of early adulthood throughout That Feeling, their second EP, weaving together reflections on relationships, technology, and finding a sense of place as circumstances change.
The five-track release kicks off with the excellent title track. Glistening, bubbly synths lend an immediate effervescence, quickly complemented by a radiant lead presence and playful percussion. “You whisper all the things you want to say,” the vocals let out, admitting thereafter that “I never felt this feeling quite before.” Vibrant guitar licks enter alongside the rhythms, crossing the one-minute mark with magnetic qualities, reminiscent of The 1975’s ability to traverse both polished pop hooks and magnetic lead personality. The EP consumes in themes of nostalgia, technology, and finding a sense of place, and this opening track feels exemplary of the latter, where newly realized feelings are emitted via layered melodic charisma and a hooky interplay of guitars, synths, and rhythms. “That feeling doesn’t ever go away,” the lines conclude with satiating impact, capturing how emotions can become perpetual, even if they’re of the newly emergent variety.
The rest of the EP continues to excel in its memorable songwriting. “Tether” yearns to “put us back together” for a forever type of love, while shimmering guitars and luminous keys drive to a question if “should I call your phone?” amidst other relatable introspections. Elsewhere, “Technophobe” moves into a dreamy folk realm, with affecting acoustics and subdued phrasing building to a gorgeous midpoint with layered harmonic allure, depicting “all my hopes, all my dreams” as in a state of crumbling. EP finale “Your Love” also resonates, strutting a spacey drive from folk-ready contemplation to brightened synth-pop whimsy. That Feeling is an enveloping success of an EP from Charisma Club.
