Charlotte Snedden “RETROspective”

The ending of a relationship is the starting of a new one that one must embrace themselves. Finding herself alone after a breakup in the middle of the pandemic, Charlotte Snedden dived into her fascination with 80s pop and rock music. Heavily influenced by the sound of Madonna, Joe Sample, SHINee, and Kim Petras, RETROspcective finds Snedden in retrospection underneath the swirling ballroom light.

“All I Want” takes us to the immediate emotional aftermath of a breakup. The song is rich in contrast and strength as Snedden navigates through the heaviness and heartache, breaking up the old patterns, fitting in newly found freedom. The song takes listeners through a journey, landing in the reminiscence of “All I See is You.”

Trapped between four walls, being reminded again and again about the past but there’s no way other than to grin through the pain. “All I See is You” marks a climax in emotions and storytelling of RETROspect, confronting the truth with raw honesty. The Australian Musical Theatre performer showcases her expressive vocal detailing the wrenching journey she went through.

“The Future is Ours” finds a downtime, slowly packing lost items, standing up and saying goodbye to the past. Hope and strength grow brighter as the singer proceeds to the chorus. Like ocean waves, there’s a natural back and forth in the song’s energy, authentic and untamed to the experience.

The rock-infused 80s dream-pop soundscape seems to be a safe place to explore difficult emotions. Charlotte Snedden built a sonic castle for herself as well as for listeners, who have been or are going through heartbreak.