Earlier this month Vanyaland rolled out its first-ever Half-Year In ReView series, highlighting the best tracks, films, and comedy specials of 2025 so far. It was done in part due to the wave of incredible art keeping us sane in insane times, and an influx of singles that filled up our Best Of lists faster than usual. Included in that crop was “God, We Tried,” the remarkable comeback track from longtime V fave Charlotte OC.
Now the English songwriter born Charlotte O’Connor is back with another entry on our year-long playlists with “Cider and Black,” a dramatic and seductive dose of noir-pop that fuels her new EP, this month’s emphatic Seriously Love, Go Home. It’s all about the thrills of self-destruction, spiraling with intent, and embracing the inner and outer madness that masks a certain kind of deeper, hidden pain. Ms. OC is truly speaking, singing, and creating for all of us as a reflection of her own battles.
“‘Cider and Black’ was my self-destruct anthem,” she offers. “It’s about doubling down on your chaos and wearing it like a badge of honor. That phase where you’re basically a functioning warning sign — and kind of enjoying it. But underneath it all, it’s a mess. You’re hurting, and you’re hurting people along the way.”
It’s one cathartic chapter in an overarching storyline — heartbreak, healing, love, and loss — that starts from within, and unfolds across Seriously Love, Go Home.
“I’m letting go of a lot in this EP. These songs feel like a bridge to the next phase of my musical life, and I’m so grateful for that,” O’Connor adds. I worked with some of the most genuine and lovely people on this project, and I’m just really happy it’s out in the world now. It’s given me a sense of momentum again, and made me genuinely excited about all of this. I really hope this EP can reach anyone who’s going through it, whether you’re feeling heartbreak, falling in love for the first time, or learning how to carry loss. I hope it keeps you company.”
Oh, we are all going through it.
***