Madame Psychosis – Charlie’s Story (2024)
Grappling with significant existential issues from mental health and toxic relationships to the marginalisation and oppression of people, Madame Psychosis is unafraid to dig deep and discuss the darker side of life. Hailing from Canada, the indie-rock quintet is known for energetic performances, engaging melodies, and that electric shiver they send down your spine with every single moment of music. The band made their way to our ears with the songs ‘Revolution’ and ‘Hopeless’ carving a slot in our brains making them unforgettable and inimitable, and I’m pretty certain they’ve made lasting impressions on international audiences as well. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Charlie’s Story’.
When I read the title ‘Charlie’s Story’, I was immediately reminded of the UK’s Charlie Gard case – a story about a baby who died from DNA depletion syndrome and the painful impact on his parents. Madame Psychosis’ single isn’t about that story but something as disturbing, painful, desperate and tumultuous. This ‘Charlie’s Story’ explores the issue of mental health, its stigma and how the taboo subject affects more than the individual.
Following the well-received track ‘Revolution’, Madame Psychosis use their engaging songwriting skills taking listeners on a journey into Charlie’s world. The vivid narration tackles the relationship between protagonist Charlie, his wife Betty and the interplay of mental health in a devastating breakdown. Brimming with frustration, anger, depression and conflict, the group tap the presence of suicidal ideation and what might be running through Charlie’s head as he sits with that gun.
Recorded with Alex Gamble, ‘Charlie’s Story’ expertly captures the chaos of Charlie’s situation with bold, brash and soul-stirring blasts of rock. Stepping into a sonic whirlpool, you immediately find yourself facing a frenzied rush of sound spliced by pounding drums, scorching guitars and rich vocals. Yet, while there is harmony in the melody, a lilt of stomach-churning, breath-taking urgency delicately finds Charlie’s raw fragility and desperation to end the pain while Betty looks on with tears in her eyes.
“It was important for me to showcase the fact that we are all susceptible to mental health issues based on any number of factors, in this case, loss. Mental health is as important as any other aspect of human health and it is important that we start to appreciate this and reduce the stigma surrounding it…” – Michelle Mondesir (vocals) on ‘Charlie’s Story’
Find out more about Madame Psychosis on their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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