Music Mania Instore Session October 18th at 18:30
The debut album by Charlotte & Reinhard showcases many facets. Although Charlotte Caluwaerts and Reinhard Vanbergen have been collaborating for over ten years, releasing several albums, they did so under different bands, in collaboration with others, or under their own names (Charlotte Caluwaerts, Reinhard Vanbergen, The Happy, Rheinzand, Acid Cowboys). It took some time before they discovered their shared core, which turned out to lie in their love for each other and their perfectly complementary talents: strings and languages. Despite the diversity of their projects, albums, soundtracks and bands, they felt the need to bring clarity to their audience. After all, it’s sometimes challenging to tell a clear story when artistic drive goes broad and deep.
For more than a year, they worked intensely to find the essence while composing "Sins & Virtues" resulting in 30 fully finished tracks. Initially, they planned to make a double album: one up-tempo album (Sins) and a more laid-back one (Virtues). One album aimed at radio and another at streaming. However, with a clear goal in mind, Charlotte & Reinhard managed to merge these concepts into a single album: “Sins & Virtues”. From the 30 tracks, they carefully selected the ones that could combine all aspects into a cohesive whole.
Traces of the original idea are still present in the album. Tracks like "My Love," "Strawberry Moon," "More than This," "Slow Down," and "The Long Road" fit the dreamy vibe of *Virtues*, while "Dagger," "Make Me Feel," and "Guardian Of Sleep" lean more toward the *Sins* side. Yet, as time went on, the concept of sin and virtue became unnecessary. These old Biblical principles become effortlessly interchangeable when approached with love—love for each other, the world, and especially for music in all its forms.
“Sins & Virtues” is an attempt to bring opposites together, to merge and reconcile them, without losing clarity and essence. It's a complex message wrapped in simplicity. This not only reflects their band name but also who Charlotte & Reinhard are: not always simple, but as clear as possible amidst a tangle of ideas, talents, contradictions, and extremes.
The album cover perfectly complements this, featuring a beautiful photograph by Aline Boyen. At first glance, you see a relaxed couple in a vintage interior. But upon closer inspection, you discover mysterious objects subtly hidden on either side of the image. These symbolize the various “Sins & Virtues” and add a deeper, layered story to the album's visual presentation. The duo leaves the interpretation of this up to you.
