Following the neon-green and hyper dance-pop takeover of BRAT, Charli XCX doesn’t escalate the chaos. The 33-year-old British artist has decided to pivot away from the club lights. Now, she’s turning inward into the role of a cinematic composer.

Originally approached by filmmaker Emerald Fennell to write a single track for the film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, the collaboration quickly evolved into something larger—a calculated reset.

At first listen, the project feels like a departure from her loud synth-pop, immediately entering a dark and eerie world. The track opener “House” starts with a chilling monologue from John Cale that creates an unsettling atmosphere for listeners. At the same time, she leaves her previous era behind by vocalizing in despair with the last bits of synth left.

This dramatic exit sets the tone for the rest of the album, which remains persistent in the unnerving setting. This is where she introduces her evolution of sound with new uses of strings and orchestra layering, mixing it with her signature distorted vocal fry.

At roughly 34 minutes long, the album’s tracks focus on a mix of emotions conveying romance, obsession, and betrayal through these haunting arrangements. These vulnerable feelings highlight her authentic raw writing style and represent a significant change in her inspiration.

For Charli, the transition following the global access of her previous tour was extremely difficult. She detailed feeling “stuck, empty, and barren,” and this pivot allowed her to find a new muse. Turning film into a creative lens relieved her from the pressure following up a viral hit with a simile pop anthem. It taught her that she didn’t need to make something exactly like her previous work.

By channeling inspiration from literature and film instead of pop trends, she highlights her continuous growth as an artist. This soundtrack stands as proof of her evolution, showing listeners exactly when she is capable of.