Review: "Cider And Black" - Charlotte OC
- Pejah Carr
- Jul 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Charlotte OC's gripping new single "Cider And Black" is a mesmerizing plunge into spiraling desire, two-toned grief, love, and defiant self-awareness. While OC revels in what it means to shamelessly hit the "self-destruct" button, this track is far from a simple confession of ruin. Instead, it's an embrace of the sick, twisted psyches
and pitiful paradigms that become strength, though always at a cost. Drenched with melancholic undertones, the track offers a semblance of hope through OC's willingness to confront the many parts of herself and accept them. "Cider And Black" is purgative, transformative, and most importantly, unapologetically raw. OC unleashes her burdens not as a cry for help but as a reclamation of power, and as a result, we get a glimpse of the new chapter she's entering. She grows from the loss, the love, and the lessons, using them as a springboard for her art. Weaving her hardships into a soundscape that is both a gut-punch and a relief, "Cider And Black" is a powerfully bold and authentic piece.
From beginning to end, "Cider And Black" is a swirling slow-burn, never loosening its hold on the listener. The production leans into noir, spy-esque territory, oozing with the dark-pop smokiness OC is known for. The chord progression is brooding and entrancing, building a sense of dark grandeur with each resounding slam of the piano. In addition to the sharp instrumentals that build the song's tension, OC's vocals sit atop it all. Piercing and wine-rich, her voice beautifully reflects her passion and matches the song's intensity all while she maintains control. With a delicate vibrato and powerful belts, OC demonstrates an empowered yet delicate balance between restraint and release. "Cider And Black" thrives on haze and heartache but emerges from a moment of reconstruction, producing a masterpiece filled with emotional complexity. Every element of this track is deliberate, charged with vulnerability, and the result is chillingly good.
Bold, vibrant, and unafraid to push any boundary, Charlotte OC is an unstoppable force.
With two albums already out, the Blackburn-based singer-songwriter has found a niche spanning pop, neo-soul, alternative, and contemporary genres, a sound reflective of the many layers of OC's artistry. "Cider And Black," the spotlight track of her latest EP, "Seriously Love, Go Home," leaves a perfectly bittersweet taste, encompassing the highs and lows of her musical journey and finding the beauty within it. Acclaimed for her brilliant storytelling ability and raw talent, OC has garnered widespread praise without ever sacrificing herself in the process. Proudly marching to the beat of her own drum, OC has established a brand of authenticity and fearlessness. Stay tuned for updates and releases, and follow the socials below!
Written By Pejah Carr
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