ALBUM REVIEW: Charlie Bit My Finger - Back and Forth
Five years in the making, "Back and Fourth" is the third album from Belgian Pop Punk outfit Charlie Bit My Finger following 2017's "Third Times a Farm".
The album is packed with short, snappy, mosh pit erupting, singalong anthems. They’re melodic chaos with a good mix of light and dark lyrics. Anti-love songs, tracks that delve into topics of mental health battles and hopelessly romantic declarations of love. "Back and Fourth" is a straightforward album that doesn't try to be quirky; it crashes in, kicks back and rocks out!
'Breaking Out' is a heavy booming tune with a chaotic chorus and sombre themes of breaking away from lies and deceit. 'Stand Up' flirts with Rapcore, beaming with attitude and pretentiousness before blasting into an infectious, chanty chorus.
"Hold Your Breath" has an early 2000's Pop punk feel and gives serious Ataris vibes. It has a great summertime sound. The lyrics talk of how to cope without a lost love. 'The Unknown' has a more classic rock stance with a hint of the blues along with an epic battering drum track that I'm obsessed with!
'Hold Your Breath' is a fast, frantic earworm with a piercing riff and melodic vocals. 'Paranoid' is an absolute banger with a slightly heavier metalcore sound. The lyrics to this one are sinister with the talk of being watched, hearing footsteps but ultimately knowing it's your own paranoia playing tricks on you.
'Backseat' is a little bit raunchy, with a powerful riff and catchy, surfy chorus! It ends with a fun little interlude with "car, car" repeating a few times before ending on some oh's, it felt a little out of place but made me smile. 'Forever Young’ kicks in sounding just like The Wonder Years 'Keystone State Dude Core' before cranking the pace up and powering through 1 minute 15 seconds of pure punk energy!
'Dream On' is my album highlight, it's up-tempo and the vocals are captivating, melodic, pensive and absolutely beautiful. The lyrics beam positively, stressing that even in the bad times there's always hope. You just need to keep pushing and 'Dream On', things will work out okay in the end. 'Listen to Me Now' is another track with a classic rock feel reminiscent of The Gaslight Anthem, it shows a more mature side to the band's sound. It's an absolute gem!
"Alter States' has an electrifying riff and in part reminded me of Lower Than Atlantis. 'Bazinga' is addictive, lively and sure to get the circle pit going wild with its hint of Screamo.
'Selfrefelect' starts with an interesting spoken section before beaming in with a killer riff and bashing drums then mellowing into a thoughtful vocal with nice harmonies. This track pours with pain, you can tell these words are very personal to the band as they reflect on their own demons and failings. I want to love the last track 'Vows' which features Tim Van Doom, as musically it's great. It's a jolly, up-tempo, happy feel good song with raspy southern, Springsteen-esque vocals that are very catchy but the lyrics are just too soppy for me! They talk about finding the one and living happily ever after and I'm just not a fan of overly romantic words (maybe I'm single and bitter!). I can’t deny it's a great song but it's the one I'll probably skip in future.
Overall "Back and Fourth" is a sensational album. Well-written, well thought out and well executed. It'll have you singing along and bouncing round your living room in no time!
