Strobe lights and body glitter define Charli XCX’s sound. It’s music made to be listened to at max volume. Feb. 29 saw the release of Charli’s newest single “Von dutch,” a precursor to her upcoming album, “Brat.” This single is no different from her usual dance-pop music and sounds exactly like something you might hear at a party in the hit show “Euphoria.”
Charli is an English singer and songwriter who is not new to the music scene, as she started posting songs on Myspace in 2008. She began making waves in 2012 on Icona Pop’s “I Love It” and again in 2014 on Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy.”
In the new song, Charli features lyrics that compare herself to Von Dutch, the popular 2000s fashion brand most known for its pinstripe designs and iconic trucker hat.
The song is a dance track that centers around Charli and the fans’ obsession with her, containing repetitive lyrics like “It’s so obvious, I’m the number one, / I’m your number one.”
The single’s concept isn’t terribly unique, since it’s heard in many pop songs. This isn’t an awful thing, but the song also doesn’t stand out instrumentally, making it generally unremarkable.
It’s not a bad song, but it’s not versatile either. It fits a certain time and place — someone would definitely have a hard time listening to this on their way to an 8 a.m. class.
Charli undoubtedly has catchier, more listenable dance songs, although that isn’t to say I would be mad if “Von dutch” came on at a party. I would probably prefer her other hits like “Boys,” “Yuck” or “1999” featuring Troye Sivan, though.
“Von dutch” might be nothing to write home about, but Charli is still a killer pop star.
3/5 stars
jhammer@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @spotify, Instagram
