·October 31, 2026·1 min read

Until They Burn Me explore dark folk storytelling with “Charlotte and the Witch”

American musical duo Until They Burn Me, comprising Cody Carlyle and Travis Jordan, have returned with “Charlotte and the Witch”, the opening track from their latest EP, Coven, released through Old Crow Records. The composition brings together elements of dark Americana, folk and experimental rock, continuing the band’s exploration of unconventional musical arrangements and storytelling.

Interestingly, Carlyle and Jordan have been collaborating for over three decades, having previously performed together in The Dry Season. Formed in 2021, Until They Burn Me have since developed a musical identity drawing from murder ballads, garage rock, punk and traditional American folk music. Their previous releases, Mud Music (2024) and A Carnival of Reveries (2025) reflects their interest in darker narratives and musical influences.

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“Charlotte and the Witch” carries forward these influences through an atmospheric arrangement featuring tremolo-driven guitars and a persistent rhythmic foundation. The Western-inspired guitar textures work well alongside the folk-oriented melodic passages, while the deep, theatrical vocal delivery adds character to the composition. There is also a certain unpredictability to the arrangement, particularly in how the different musical influences come together. The Americana feel of the song really adds to it!

What makes the track enjoyable is its emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling within a relatively concise composition. The instrumentation remains engaging without becoming unnecessarily elaborate, allowing the vocals and underlying narrative to take prominence.

Overall, Until They Burn Me have delivered an interesting piece of dark folk music that reflects their longstanding creative partnership. An intriguing listen, I must say!