Patchwork

the take

Though I haven’t been fully tapped into Charlotte Day Wilson’s career as of late, I’ve been a fan of her music since 2018, when I first heard her project "Stone Woman". So when I came across her latest release, "Patchwork", I was naturally curious to hear how she’s evolved sonically. Going into it, I wasn’t expecting to be completely blown away—but I also didn’t anticipate enjoying it less than some of her earlier work. That’s not to say it’s lacking in quality. Wilson’s vocals remain as rich and emotive as ever, and her songwriting continues to paint vivid, almost trance-like imagery that pulls you into her world. There’s still a strong sense of intimacy and atmosphere that she executes effortlessly. However, the production is where things feel a bit underwhelming for me. While it complements her style in a cohesive way, many of the instrumentals feel somewhat minimal to a fault, as if each track is missing an extra layer or moment to truly elevate it. Because of that, a few songs blur together rather than standing out individually. That said, "Selfish" is a clear highlight, leaning more toward the sonic textures that initially drew me to her earlier work, as well as "Quiet". Overall, "Patchwork" is still a solid and enjoyable listen. It may not rank among my favorite Charlotte Day Wilson projects, but it’s far from a disappointment. If anything, it feels like a grower that could reveal more with time—and I might just need to revisit her discography to fully place it.