SINGLE REVIEW: CHARLIE STEADY “UNFULFILLED GENIUS OF MARTIN STREET” and “GREYHOUND”
Photo credit: Bekah Izard
Mellow vocal and immersive soundscapes, “Unfulfilled Genius of Martin Street” and “Greyhound” are the A&B side singles from Charlie Steady’s upcoming sophomore album Magpie. Versatile and introspective as he is, Steady introduces us to contrasting sound palettes in the two tracks that spiral down different sides of the story.
Revolving around the main character Magpie’s journey to becoming a rock star, “Unfulfilled Genius of Martin Street” bounces off a reggae-inspired rhythm and smoky harmony into its overall indie aesthetic while unraveling an odd encounter with someone much older whose life path resembles your own. The encounter very much felt like a horrifying trip to the future, which takes us to a slightly stripped-down B side, “Greyhound” that dives deeper into Magpie’s inner thoughts when it comes to risk-taking and new beginnings.
Compared to the mystic, woozy A side, “Greyhound” exposes a vulnerable side of the storytelling that appeals to the listeners. Fusing a heartfelt acoustic with light percussion, the song spirals country, folk, and rock with a vintage, classic glare that reminds you of sounds of The Beach Boys and The Beatles.