Charli XCX, John Cale & the Gothic Reinvention of ‘House’

Charli XCX has entered her darkest era yet. With “House,” her new collaboration with The Velvet Underground legend John Cale for Emerald Fennell’s upcoming Wuthering Heights (2026), Charli steps into a world of gothic romance, decaying architecture, and emotional brutality, a complete reinvention from her Brat era.In this deep-dive, The Last Mixed Tape explores Charli’s career-defining pivot after Brat to the haunting production choices and Cale’s iconic narration, this episode unpacks why “House” is quickly becoming one of the most important songs of her career.