Charles David - Stubborn is the Wind
CHARLES DAVID RELEASES SUPERB ‘STUBBORN IS THE WIND’
Quebecois indie-folk singer-songwriter Charles David recently released his debut solo album, Stubborn is the Wind, a 10-track collection of song revealing delicious harmonies, captivating vocals, and lush, affluent melodies.
Charles David
Speaking to the album, Charles says, “I wanted the album to have full arrangements with a hint of the music that has inspired me,” disclosing influences from Coldplay, Bob Dylan, Tallest Man On Earth, and Interpol.
Produced by Promotions Monarque, with recording and mastering by William Gaboury of Father & Sons Recording, the album is highlighted by the talent of Olivier Savoie Campeau, François Laliberté, and Philippe Savard.
Based in Montreal, Charles David was formerly one-half of Soul & Sister, releasing four albums: Sow Love (2014), Vieux Cahier Troué (2016), Tandem vol.1 & 2 (2018), as well as a French EP, Éponyme (2019), featuring the single, “Mona Lisa.”
His music reflects the endless well of possibilities inherent in the Universe. He has performed at Festival des francofolies de Montréal, Festival vue sur la relève, and has shared the stage with the likes of Rosie Valland, Raphaël Dénommé, and Cédrik St-Onge.
Stubborn is the Wind commences with “Ghost Stories,” opening on a measured strumming guitar rolling into a folk-rock-lite melody topped by Charles’ evocative and distinctive voice, creamy yet lush with hints of rasping inflections. “Into the Wind” travels on gleaming, austere colors, easy and mellow, while Charles’ rich tones, accompanied by a soft, radiant female voice, give the lyrics glossy harmonies.
With 'Stubborn is the Wind,' Charles David delivers one of the best indie-folk albums of the year – lustrous yet full of velvety allure.
“The Red Dawn” exudes ethereal textures topped by lightly sparkling guitar notes, as blues-laced hues inform the melody, exuding dark, melancholic filaments. “Rice” shimmers on emerging colors and then segues into glistening guitar tones. When the tune ramps up, it takes on surging folk-rock energy prior to once again descending to low-slung dreamy levels.
The intro to “Colors on my Way” leaves listeners questioning the tune’s direction but chooses the correct one as the music adds resonance and a gentle but potent rhythm. I love the incandescence of the guitar on this track, complementing the hushed harmonies.
“Stubborn Love” features a thumping kick-drum supporting strumming guitars, glittering accents, and sumptuous vocal harmonies. “Don’t Ask Names” is good but demonstrates Charles’ affinity for high-energy melodies with driving rhythms.
“Stella” conjures up memories of a tender nursery rhyme infused with layers of embellishing textures, shining and tender. “Slalom” offers drifting colors, low and almost twinkling, progressing into a plush, tantalizing melody burnished by soft, subdued vocals. Another wonderful guitar solo marks this track out as superb.
The final track, “Burden of my Thoughts,” rides evolving harmonics, low at first and then swelling and building with sonic dimension. The harmonics settle back down, infusing the tune with introspective flavors, both intimate and imminent.
With Stubborn is the Wind, Charles David delivers one of the best indie-folk albums of the year – lustrous yet full of velvety allure.
