Sometimes you hear a record, and all you can really say is "wow." Clearly I exaggerate since I've managed to write 286 words about Charlie Continental's new single "Snow & Rain" (out on his very own Snappy Little Numbers). But absolutely, my initial reaction was a loss for words. It was just pure feeling. Chuck wrote these songs about the journey that he has gone through since he lost his wife Febra in 2024. I admire him so much for being willing to write about something so personal and painful. He has put himself out there in front of the whole world, and that would mean something even if the songs weren't any good. But the songs are really, really good. This gritty, straight-ahead style of melodic punk lends itself so well to writing and singing with heart on sleeve. These are songs about grief and loss, of course, but also about the uncertain, bumpy road that lies ahead when you try and move forward from that kind of loss. These songs aren't sappy or morose — just honest, raw, and heartfelt. The whole reason why we have songs and movies and books and all sorts of art is because it all connects us as human beings. We share others' joy, pain, hopes, and anxieties because we're in this thing called life together. "Snow & Rain" and "Untethered" make me feel connected to Chuck and to humans in general. It's nice to be reminded that empathy and compassion still live in this world. If writing "the catchiest sad songs" is a skill set that Chuck is notorious for possessing, that's a tremendous gift to have and share. "Snow & Rain" is one of the best singles I'll hear all year.
