When Charli XCX says her first new music in over a year is “something entirely new, entirely opposite” to the sound of her era-defining album Brat, she means it. The track, titled “House,” is taken from the soundtrack of director Emerald Fennell’s upcoming adaptation of Wuthering Heights. With its dark, gothic tone, it shares almost no resemblance in sound or mood to Brat. Charli explains that the song was inspired by John Cale’s description of his former band the Velvet Underground’s sound as “elegant and brutal.”
Known for her skill and generosity in collaboration, Charli gives two-thirds of the vocal space on this track to Cale. He delivers a monologue that starts off indirect and conversational but grows increasingly ominous. His voice is rich, resonant, and instantly recognizable to many music fans. At 83, his voice bears the marks of time, yet it’s unmistakably the same one that narrated Lou Reed’s grim short story “The Gift” on White Light/White Heat 57 years ago.
Cale’s musical spirit seems to permeate the entire track. It’s unclear if he actually plays on the song, but regardless of who created the music, the droning strings, sharp feedback-like noises, and heavy distortion in the final minute all evoke his work with the Velvet Underground. Similarly, Charli’s anguished howls at the end of the song reflect Cale’s tendency to disrupt music with unsettling sounds—like the demonic hisses in “The Black Angel’s Death Song” or the chair-dragging and metal-crashing in “European Son.” The influence of Nine Inch Nails is also felt when the beat finally kicks in.
How the song fits into Fennell’s version of Wuthering Heights is yet to be seen, though one could connect Cale’s monologue lyrics to the tragic fates of Catherine and Heathcliff. Alternately eerie and emotional, the track could just as easily belong to another of Charli’s upcoming film projects, like Daniel Goldhaber’s movie based on the infamous 1978 horror film Faces of Death.
Given how horror-themed music often climbs the charts around Halloween, releasing “House” a few weeks earlier might have been a savvy commercial move. But that could have seemed too gimmicky, and honestly, “House” doesn’t need any gimmicks to succeed. It’s powerful, striking, and deeply satisfying—a bold turn into rich new creative ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and concise FAQs about Charli XCXs song House featuring John Cale
General Questions
Q Who is Charli XCX
A Charli XCX is a British singer and songwriter known for her innovative and influential pop music with hits like Boom Clap and Speed Drive
Q What is the song House by Charli XCX
A House is a collaborative single between Charli XCX and the legendary musician John Cale Its a haunting and atmospheric track
Q Who is John Cale
A John Cale is a Welsh musician and a founding member of the influential rock band The Velvet Underground He is known for his experimental and avantgarde work
Q What is this song about
A The song is a dark dramatic exploration of obsession longing and being haunted by a memory or a person much like the themes in Wuthering Heights
Q Is this song on an album
A Yes House is a track from Charli XCXs sixth studio album Brat released in 2024
Song Details Meaning
Q Why is the review title Haunt me then
A This phrase captures the songs core theme Its a defiant and almost welcoming acceptance of being tormented by a powerful inescapable memory or love
Q What is the connection to Wuthering Heights
A The songs mood and lyrics evoke the gothic passionate and destructive love story between Catherine and Heathcliff in Emily Bronts novel Wuthering Heights It shares themes of haunting and eternal longing
Q How would you describe the sound of House
A The sound is elegant and brutal It combines Charlis modern pop sensibility with John Cales experimental classicalinfluenced stylefeaturing stark piano industrial beats and intense emotional vocals
Q What does elegant brutal taste mean in the review
