In her new piece of art “Carpe Diem”, Chellcy Reitsma steps forward with remarkable clarity and purpose. From the very first track she sets a mood that is bold without being overbearing, reflective without drifting into introspection alone. Her rich, confident vocals carry the emotion of lived experience—one can sense the scars, the triumphs and the willingness to move on—and that gives the album a genuine emotional weight.
What impresses most is how the instrumentation always supports rather than overshadows. A blues-tinged guitar here, subtle roots textures there, and occasional bursts of rock-infused energy—this varied palette keeps the listener engaged. On songs such as the title track the sense of urgency is real, and the message clear: this is not about seizing a perfect day, but forging one. Other moments slow the pace just enough to let the heart catch up: vulnerability doesn’t disappear here—it evolves.
Reitsma appears to be answering her own earlier work with this release (her previous album ‘Memento Mori’ is referenced), and in doing so she shows growth—not only as vocalist and songwriter, but as an artist prepared to claim agency. The production is crisp, showing off the details in her arrangements, and the sequencing holds together as a coherent journey rather than a mere collection of tracks.
If you are looking for a record that balances grit and grace, honesty and ambition, “Carpe Diem” delivers. It invites you in, then asks you to join in: to live boldly, to risk, to embrace everything that comes. For lovers of singer-songwriters who refuse to soften the edges, this is a standout release and a clear statement of intent.
