Charli XCX Returns With “Rock Music”

Charli XCX is back, but Brat Summer, it seems, is officially over. The pop star released her new single “rock music” Friday, along with an accompanying music video, and as the Charli sings: “I think the dance floor is dead, so now we’re making rock music.” How much the British star’s song can be considered rock will certainly be up for debate, but it’s certainly got obvious rock influence, as evidenced by some hard-charging, heavily distorted guitar matching her synthesized vocals. In the music video, Charli walks through a black and white city, making out with guys and chain smoking profusely in a black and white landscape that only goes to color as she hits the chorus and makes the “rock music” declaration. “For me, it’s fun to flip the form,” Charli told British Vogue back in April of her latest song. “We know there’s gonna be people who are bothered by it, but that’s fine.” The song “Rock Music” comes as Charli XCX has gotten herself increasingly involved in the film world. She released a companion album for Wuthering Heights back in February, and she co-wrote much of the soundtrack for Mother Mary with Jack Antonoff as well. Of course she also produced and starred in her mockumentary The Moment, which came out in January. Aside from the recordings, Charli’s slated for some high profile festival slots this summer as well. She’s headlining Lollapalooza in Chicago in July, San Francisco’s Outside Lands in August and Austin City Limits in October.