Charly Bliss. Supermoon Review
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Charly Bliss is a four-member pop/rock band delivering alternative rock sounds. The members are Eva Hendricks on vocals and guitar, her brother Sam Hendricks on the drums with Spencer Fox on guitar, and Dan Shure on bass. Growing up in Connecticut, it was Hendricks’ parents “wildest dream” that Eva and Sam play in a band together. Being that the case, of course, they avoided it for as long as possible. The Charly Bliss origin story begins instead at performing arts summer camp, where guitarist Spencer Fox first met Dan. Eva and Dan also knew each other through musical theater; they did shows together as pre-teens. In 2014 Charly Bliss was a fully formed band, living in New York, working the standard barista/bartender circuit by day, rehearsing by night. They recorded and released their debut EP, Soft Serve, and played lots and lots (and lots) of shows. 2017’s brash punk-inspired LP Guppy on Barsuk Records was Charly Bliss’ album debut. After that release, the band spent more time out on the road, and that increased the Charly Bliss fanbase. The group’s 2nd album was released in 2019 on Barsuk Records and titled, Young Enough. With songs that reflect a more confident, assured artists that also incorporates a dynamic, unapologetically pop influence compared to their earlier material. On October 31, 2019, Charly Bliss released a five-song surprise EP titled, Supermoon.
[section label=”Positives”] Positives: Solid songwriting and Eva’s voice is as captivating as ever.
[section label=”Bottom Line”] Bottom Line: Supermoon is five tunes that were recorded during the making of Young Enough. Produced by ten-time Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning producer/engineer/mixer Joe Chiccarelli, Supermoon has a solid flow. The band has embraced a more synth-driven sound and lighter textures, but that is a form of growth. If you are a big fan of Charly Bliss’ raw punkish style, Supermoon will fit the bill. The stand-out track is “Slingshot.” Eva’s playful, flirty personality can be heard in the melody. The band’s sound is balanced, and there is plenty of subtle textures to sink into and enjoy. With new textures of guitar and background vocals creating exciting parts as the song unfolds, “Slingshot” feels like a song that is developed and tells a story. The result, Supermoon continues the evolution of Charly Bliss and their exploration of rock-punk, but now with a little more pop style. It is a sound that fits the band and shows a maturing song catalog that should carry them to more fans and larger venues. That’s the short of it!