BRAT'S OUT, ROCK'S IN

Aidan Zamiri

9 May 2026

Joshua Magazzu

Charli XCX has released a new track, titled “Rock Music.” The song is a rock inspired hyperpop track that creatively fuses multiple genres, blending the raw energy of rock with the futuristic production style of hyperpop. This genre-blurring approach is emblematic of Charli XCX’s reputation for innovation and for pushing musical boundaries. “I think the dance floor is dead” declares XCX in the track, symbolising that her iconic brat era is over.

The track can be interpreted as a commentary on the music industry’s constant evolution and the pressures artists face to reinvent themselves. Rather than simply shifting sounds for commercial gain, XCX appears to poke fun at the trend of musicians abandoning their previous styles in favour of the “next big thing.” Through her playful lyrics and bold production choices, she highlights the cyclical nature of popular music and the fickleness of audience expectations.

The song’s energetic instrumentation further reinforces this. Gritty guitar riffs, distorted vocals, and glitchy electronic elements create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and futuristic. XCX’s approach invites listeners to question the authenticity of genre trends and consider the motivations behind artistic reinvention.

The music video features striking cinematography and a raw, energetic atmosphere. Scenes of people gathering and moshing evoke the communal spirit of rock shows, amplifying the song’s rebellious energy. A particularly symbolic moment comes when a promo image from the brat era is torn apart on screen. This act visually aligns with the idea that the brat era really is over. By including this imagery, the video not only complements the song’s genre-blending sound but also reinforces the theme of artistic transformation and the closing of one chapter before the start of another.

Overall, “Rock Music” stands as a testament to Charli XCX’s ability to genre-bend and reinvent herself. I cannot fault her on that. Whilst I am a huge fan of Charli's work, I personally am not the biggest fan of the track on first few listens, but it may grow on me. I am excited to see where this new era goes for XCX. If this is how Charli opens a chapter, I can't wait to see what kind of chaos she cooks up.

rating: ⭐️