Driven by a lifelong desire to connect and bring people together, singer and songwriter Charles Troxler has evolved from his early inspirations in impersonating Michael Jackson on the stage, to releasing a full-length album of original songs.
The aptly-titled project Stand Strong embraces listeners with its energy and charm, showcasing an artist who has overcome the struggles of isolation and bullying, and emerges with confidence and bravado designed to help others achieve the same escapism from pain.
We begin with the fiercely high-octane and colourful Dance, an anthemic and retro funky dance-pop track with a focus on shaking off your fears and delving into the moment with optimism and flair. It’s a multi-layered, loaded soundscape, built around a simple chord progression but igniting a fire that sets the album off on a clear high.
As things progress, guitar leads again, four new chords and a more contemplative thread of writing. Same For Me is revealing and honest, but again rises for a bright and uplifting hook. The unique alternative melody and the anthemic chant-like chorus help make this a highlight.
We mellow out further for the ambient storytelling of Song For You, another full soundscape and a passionate delivery as ever from Charles Troxler. These songs have the making of both catchy and deeply independent, unorthodox hits. The voice is distinct, somewhat confronting and upfront, but it’s a quality that rings loud in favour of the overcoming and self-belief at the heart of the project.
Somebody Cares For You is melodically familiar at first but evolves to become a wholly impassioned thing of its own – a bold reminder to value yourself and appreciate the little things that make life wonderful. Then in contrast, Tear My Heart Apart delivers a piano-ballad of scornful revelation and vulnerability.
The title-track Stand Strong delves into Charles unique story and effectively bridges the gap between artist and listener. Here the voice and production have a touch of Green Day about them, and the album’s positive intentions shine brightly.
Follow Me is another highlight, a simple and immersive dance-pop to ambient anthem with great production and a striking, dreamy but memorable hook. Later on, Moonlight offers a similar late-night synth realm and a strong melody, but not before Sad World digs its claws into the pain and struggle of uncertainty and sadness.
Four more chords pick up the pace for Keep My Smile, a deeply personal song but one soaked in possibility both lyrically and performatively. Then to utilise contrast, When You Were By My Side is boldly reflective of the self, and softens the mood with a humble groove and soulful, profoundly vulnerable vocal line and lyricism. In this delicate setting, the nuance and expression of Charles’ voice reaches distinctly soulful levels.
Wrapping things up is a last reminder to be grateful for the little things in life, for the beautiful moments we get to experience every day. The piano-led Thankful is melodically optimistic, vocally humble, and seems to combine all former strengths of the project in a warm and wonderful way. A great ending to a fearlessly authentic journey of resilience in the face of difficulty.
Find Charles Troxler on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok.
