There are few artists who are making music that fearlessly stands up to the authorities in the way that WRYT does in ‘Charlatan’. As you’ll read in the artist’s quote below, this song paints the wrongful actions against the Haitian migrants who were forcibly removed from the Del Rio encampment in Texas. Horrifying images and footage of border agents on horseback forcing women and children into the blazing desert heat and whips being used against the migrant people are shocking to say the least. It’s a stark and terrifying reminder of the precarious state of migrant populations, especially people of colour who are all too often treated as “less than” by the vastly white and male authorities. You can read more about the awful event over at The Guardian.

The pure and unbridled frustration, pain and upset can be heard throughout ‘Charlatan’. WRYT’s vocals are a powerful tour-de-force which scales pop-punk melodies and hits each word with a determined punctuality. The relentless instrumentation, particularly the metal-leaning drums, further emphasises the artist’s potent message as he paints the border agents actions as “cowardly” and the ultimate “charlatans” of our time.

‘Charlatan’ follows on from WRYT’s 2022 singles ‘Risk & Fear’ and ‘Fierce’, all of which set this artist out as a burgeoning expert of anthemic modern rock.

“Charlatan was written in response to the tragic removal of Haitian migrants in Texas. I was appalled at the use of whips on black immigrants that echoed the same strain and hurt by the Slave Trade. I personally found the act to be incredibly cowardice and without regard for human decency. It only reinforces this notion that power is held by the oppressor, and any chance to grow from this is stifled and choked out.”

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