Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Charles HS – Black and White (2023)

Described by independent publications as “…a gifted musician who weaves raw emotions and personal experiences into his captivating songs” (Sinusoidal Music), “making major waves in the indie-pop scene” (We Write About Music), and “…full of love, soul and textures that can be found nowhere else” (TJPL News), Charles HS brings a vulnerable, intimate and heartfelt sound to the masses. Hailing from the UK, Charles HS is a young singer-songwriter with a sophisticated philosophy to life – he wants people to understand that vulnerability is necessary and it helps build character. The latest addition to his critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Black and White’.



Following the success of his tracks ‘Tired Eyes’ and ‘Dandelion’, Charles HS adopts elements of jazz, rock and soul in ‘Black and White’. Self-recorded and produced in his living room, the single has an intense intimacy to the arrangement taking you to another dimension of existence. From the first chord, the smooth guitars blend delicately with jazz-inspired drums creating a hazy ambience in which you can lose yourself. What I find particularly interesting about ‘Black and White’ is how the instrumentation appears smooth, gentle and soft; however, it belies the poignant theme of love and escapism.

Exploring further philosophies and reflecting on experiences, Charles HS shows profoundness in this new single. He explains that ‘Black and White’ “…is about escapism and the longing to take an alternate perspective about life…I was feeling tired and alone and wanted to go back to a place of happiness and nostalgia, I felt trapped.” He further explained that he is “…a hopeless romantic and I believe in true love just like you see in the movies. I know it’s corny, but I believe in it, always have done…”

Vulnerability, fragility, intimacy and the need for escapism culminate in the single ‘Black and White’. A song far surpassing his young years, Charles HS is a sonic gem in a pool of stones and one to watch.

For more from Charles HS, check out his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator