Rock/Review Common Saints - Firebird

Producer, composer, and songwriter Charlie Perry has spent the past decade behind the scenes—boosting careers with projects like Jorja Smith’s breakthrough EP Project 11, collaborations with Olivia Dean, Maverick Sabre, Lola Young, and writing/producing “Singularity” for BTS. Driven by his early passion for performance, Perry has now stepped into the spotlight as Common Saints.

Common Saints' "Firebird," encased in luscious aural textures and catchy beats, offers a captivating fusion of psychedelic soul and political satire. The song immediately captivates listeners with its epic soundtrack, which is full of sensuous basslines, swirling guitar riffs, and Charlie J Perry's signature warm, analog production.

However, there is a sharp lyrical core behind its beautiful melody. Disguised as a groove-heavy jam, "Firebird" is a protest anthem that criticizes politicians' hollow promises and the consequences of their self-serving choices. Perry's point is quite clear: the speeches, the catchphrases, the charm—we've heard it all before. But once in a position of authority, those statements frequently turn into hypocrisy. The chorus acts as a call to action, imploring listeners to end the cycle and start over from the ruins.

The production of the song is as dynamic and multi-layered as its message, oscillating between disappointment and hope. Long after the song has ended, there is still a strong tension created by the juxtaposition between the lyrics' sting and the music's soulfulness.

"Firebird" serves as a wake-up call in addition to being a song. It offers a message to move with as well as a groove to move to, challenging the current quo with elegance. Common Saints attempts to spark a fire in a time when most music is afraid to take a stand.