Charlie Played Cello
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"Charlie Played Cello - Red Review"

Some people may be interested to know that there is neither anybody called Charlie or any cellos within Charlie Played Cello’s music. But then all terrible jokes aside, the music is what really matters here and as long as the music is good then nothing else should matter.

At times, Charlie Played Cello’s music is perfectly crafted and sounds absolutely astonishing. Opening up with the fantastic Memories Collide, they prove that they’re able to create infectious melodies and catchy rhythms – it’s a 90s alternative sound with an almost surf like tinge added in for good measure. Tired Of Playing Games doesn’t quite hit the mark like it’s predecessor though; feeling a bit too generic and quite obviously far from the band’s capability.

Not that any of this really matters because Run Away With Me picks things up and Charlie Played Cello are back in the driving seat again. It’s simple, to the point and although it’s not their best, it certainly pulls all the right strings in how to effortlessly make a good rock song. The highlight of the EP is easily Drifting Apart – bringing back the little old school surf tinge crossing with Weezer’s early material (think Brian Wilson or Mike Love fronting Weezer) and conjuring up something interesting, Charlie Played Cello obviously have quite a lot to offer and are keen to show their skills off.

And show them off they do as they end in style with the amazing Light Me On Fire It’s Midnight. While 80% of the album is decent enough and although it may fall flat a couple of times, Charlie Played Cello have the ability to produce great songs and they’ve proved that on Red. Red is merely the beginning of a band who are destined for bigger and better things in the future. For now though, they can sit back and be proud of their first ever release. - Rock Reviews 24/7


"Video Release: Charlie Played Cello - "Memories Collide""

You may remember my post on LA rockers Charlie Played Cello about two months ago, in which they featured as a new artist here on When We Were Beautiful. Well, I'm happy to reveal that in that short space of time, the band have been working hard and have now released a video for their track 'Memories Collide', which you can see below. I have been forewarned that if I am in any way a fan of 80's glam rock, I'm sure to enjoy the video. Well, as a huge Bon Jovi fan, how could I possibly pass up this opportunity?! You can see the results for yourselves, but let's just say it's nice for a band to have a little fun once in a while, especially a fairly new band, who don't feel they need to take themselves as seriously as everybody else. A great track with a rocking video.

Enjoy! - Back When We Were Beautiful


"NEW ARTIST ALERT: CHARLIE PLAYED CELLO"

It's been a while as Staind once sang, but I've found a little time between two great holidays (Poland and Tunisia if you're interested) and moving house next weekend to have a listen to LA's Charlie Played Cello, who have just recently released their album 'Red'. The band's name is a nod to a friend of the band who sadly died in a road accident on the way home from one of the band's shows, and his cello playing is featured on the album.

Charlie Played Cello describe themselves as having a "unique and dynamic sound that spans from mainstream power-pop to sinister post-punk anthems, in the spirit of Weezer and Jimmy Eat World". Offering the opportunity of a reminiscent throw-back to my tender teenage, Kerrang TV-watching days, I was tempted to check out CPC and, sure enough, the hints of these iconic guitar bands are evident in Red.

'Memories Collide' packs a minor-feeling, garage-band punch with a unique vocal sound and throbbing organ poking through the mix. I feel the vocals might be a little 'marmite' for some listeners but the track plods along with help from the drum pattern as the snare hits stab on every crotchet beat throughout the verses. It builds to a cool guitar-solo section reminding me of Richie Sambora's feel-good country-inspired solos when Bon Jovi met Nashville.

'Run Away With Me' with its dense intro section packed full of melodies, instruments, and musical ideas settles into a grooving middle-of-the-road rock track which chugs along nicely enough. The chorus didn't hit me as hard as I'd like, with more emphasis seemingly placed on the main riff which features in the intro and the vocals sound a little strained but the backing vocals help to ease the slight tensity. The guitar sound is great in the short solo lick but I can't help thinking the chorus after this could have been really stripped back and sparse to create a bigger impact for the final chorus and outro riff. By all means a good rock song but one I feel could be even better with a brief trip back to the drawing board.

'Light Me On Fire It's Midnight' reminds me of the guitar-led Weezer and Jimmy... feel that drew me in in the first place and the chorus is great. The track is short and sweet and to the point though still finds time for a guitar solo which is fine by me, and feels like the memorable sing-along track that would have the most success with radio airplay.

Charlie Played Cello offer exactly what it says on the tin; it's no-thrills guitar-rock that rightly deserves radio-time and, although might not be something that appeals to an English audience as much as an American one (or at least not a young one) still has scope to offer the band success which I wish them in the future.

Be sure to check out CPC on Facebook whilst Red is available now on iTunes. - Back When We Were Beautiful


"Charlie Played Cello's Red EP"

Charlie Played Cello's Red EP
Review by Lauren
Buy it on Itunes!

Los Angeles based rock ensemble Charlie Played Cello released their debut EP Red Fontana/Universal May 29 on iTunes. CPC is made up of band members Mike Resch (bass), Bill Scott (guitar), Tommy Villafranca (drums) and Chris Wiebe (vocals, guitar).

For those that don't know, an EP is a shorter version of an album, so Red only includes five songs, but they are all quite catchy and enjoyable.

One of the things that I thought when listening to the music was that, while the music is pretty modern and standard pop/rock, the vocals from Wiebe actually have an old-fashioned sound that I greatly enjoyed. It just compels you to listen closer. I think it really stands out in the song, "Tired of Playing Games."

While "Run Away with Me" seemed a bit repetitive in places, it was still catchy to listen too. One of my favorite tracks was "Drifting Apart", though. However, I think most people would really enjoy "Memories Collide." It definitely seems radio-ready and the intro actually made me think of some other current bands. Fun song (and you can see the very fun video below).

Finally, this is a band - based on their music and video- that I can see being a lot of fun live. They seem to really love what they do and want to make their listeners feel good. "Light Me on Fire It's Midnight" is catchy like the others, and it's something I could picture people dancing too or enjoying at an actual concert.

Overall, a pretty good debut! Check out the video below and let me know what you think in the comments!

Interesting Fact-

While loyal followers know how CPC got their name, new fans might not know that "Charlie" was one of Mike's and Chris's best friends who died in a motorcycle accident driving home from a CPC show. He played cello, and can be heard on some of the band's recordings.

The official video for Charlie Played Cello's song "Memories Collide" which is a fun look back at the rock 'n roll lifestyle. - Shooting Stars Mag


"CHARLIE PLAYED CELLO - Red (INgrooves/Fontana/Universal)"

This band immediately caught our attention mainly because the lead singer sounds very much like a very young Joe Walsh when he was in the James Gang. But what impressed us even more were the songs. These guys have recently been playing the Los Angeles, California club and concert circuit and they're apparently picking up steam fast. The band has recorded fifteen tracks for release. But rather than put out one full-length album, they're offering the songs five at a time on three separate EPs. Red, the first of the EP trilogy, packs quite a punch. The songs have a nice slick classic sound that should appeal to a wide range of music fans. Our favorite cuts are "Memories Collide" and "Light Me On Fire It's Midnight." Cool rockin' stuff. - Baby Sue


"CHARLIE PLAYED CELLO - RED"

Los Angeles based Charlie Played Cello inked a deal with New Deal Entertainment, a label associated with the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team and Brian Holland composed two songs for the band. I think they´ve got a cool sound with traces of classic rock and new wave but in a power pop suit. My thoughts go to The Cars, Weezer and Tom Petty while listening to their debut EP "Red". I really like Chris Wiebe´s voice which suits these songs just fine, in some moments his melodies reminds of Elvis Costello. Songs like "Tired of playing games" and "Run away with me" can be described as feel-good music. - Roth 'n Roll


Discography

2013 - White, EP (Fontana/Universal)
2012 - "Memories Collide" - Single
2012 - Red, EP (Fontana/Universal)

Photos

Bio

Charlie Played Cello* (or CPC as their fans say) is a Los Angeles-based rock band about to break onto the national stage. The band has been together just a short time but the accomplishments are substantial: a contract with New Deal Entertainment (a label associated with the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team), distribution through Universal’s Fontana Distribution company, two songs written for CPC by Brian Holland, and tracks engineered and mixed by Grammy-award winner David Bianco (at his studio in North Hollywood) and produced by Davey Meshell. The band has developed a loyal following that has seen them perform at classic L.A. venues such as the House of Blues and Viper Room.

The sheer scope of the music spans from mainstream power-pop to nostalgic jam band to sinister post-punk anthems. CPC plans to release their 15 tracks on three separate EPs. The first, "Red" now available on itunes, features their radio-friendly tracks.The second release, "White" delivers CPC’s edgier tunes. The final EP, "Blue" reveals a more soulful, eclectic side of CPC.

Charlie Played Cello is in honor of Charlie Park, Resch and Wiebe’s wonderful friend, who died driving home from one of their early concerts.