WATCH: Catgod – ‘I’m Dead’ / ‘Killer Whales’

Catgod is a folk-rock project led by Oxford-based sibling duo Robin Christensen-Marriott and Catherine Marriott. ‘I’m  Dead’ / ‘Killer Whales’ is a double A-side release, with both songs inspired by the sea, and taken from Born Again, the band’s upcoming new album.

‘I’m Dead’ introduces the theme of death and rebirth that is the basis for the forthcoming album. It is sung by Cat, and has an air of ’60s psychedelia, and swirling, ethereal guitars. The song is accompanied by a pastoral video made by band keyboard player Patrick Bolton, placing the band in their everyday and natural surroundings, perfectly capturing the theme –  the mystery of life and nature. An exquisite soundscape that’ll captivate both the eyes and ears with its glistening allure. 

‘Killer Whales’ is a dream-like, ambient piece sung by Robin, and inspired by his haunting dreams of swimming with those magnificent and terrifying creatures. With an enchanting flute intro by Cat, the strangeness and the atmospherics of the song will hook you from the start. ‘Killer Whales’ is accompanied by a live video that captures the twinkling majesty of the band perfectly. 

What I like about this band is that they are unafraid to mix genres, and the results are both surprising and mesmerising. Judging by these singles, there is much to look forward to from the upcoming album. Both tracks have a spring-time feel featuring beautiful vocal harmonies and multi-layered instrumental palettes which broaden the band’s sound, taking the listener to weird and wonderful places. 

Born Again, the new album from Catgod, is set for release this Spring.

Fi Ni Aicead
@gotnomoniker

Photo Credit: Patrick Bolton

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Track Of The Day: daze – ‘yourself’

According to daze, the writing of ‘yourself’ only began towards the end of last year. Mind you, even by the standards of most DIY artists, their recent output verges on the prolific, with this single following two self-released EPs and a single, all since July 2020. Having met in college in 2017, their later releases reflect a second stage for the pair; a shift into dreamy indie-pop, and away from singer-songwriter fare. It’s possible that this recent prolific spree is due in part to lockdown, which probably suits the creative process of a self-described “bedroom pop” act, and daze – who are comprised of duo Daisy and Scott – seem to have mastered the sub-genre even by this early stage of their career.

For starters, ‘yourself’ comes packaged in what, judging by their Bandcamp, is something of a signature style for the duo, with its kawaii-leanings in coloured pencil evoking ’90s tech and kids’ cartoons. That return into youth typifies the best of indie-pop, right back to the Sarah Records days, although the piano loop that whirls through ‘yourself’ arguably has more in common with a house record. Between the piano and the drum machine hits, there’s a little of the pop-dance that dominated the charts some fifteen years ago in the track, but intermixed here is dream-pop guitar that shimmers in layers and layers, gently building with emotion amidst flecks of picked out notes, and echoing around Daisy’s impressively honeyed voice.

With a neat line in richly emotional lyrics, ‘yourself’ tells the story of a friend of Daisy’s, and their struggles with their mental health. “Do you know what I’m on about?”, Daisy sings, “I haven’t seen your colour lately” – a neat nod to the near dayglo imagery of the single’s cover sleeve, with the percussive nature of each line dangled delicately around the lilt of the track’s melody. Loosely structured, the song’s lyrics repeat whilst building with subtle changes, drawing the listener in, before, at the song’s close, they drape over each other and then fade out.

Featuring the pair running in slo-mo towards the camera, in a colour-saturated version of the woods, the self-directed video is oddly reminiscent of Pixies’ ‘Velouria’, although with a somewhat less demented bent and slightly more vintage sportswear. That said, the video shows a couple of people who are creatively in-sync, and happy to deal in an aesthetic that prizes honesty and expression over cool, sleek production values.  And the truth is, that what the band lack in budget, they more than make up for in musical ability. ‘yourself’ belies both the duo’s age, and their origin story, and suggests that while they might soon make it out of the bedroom, staying in has helped them show their colours.

‘yourself’ is out now. Download via bandcamp and listen on Spotify.

John McGovern
@etinsuburbiaego

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Five Favourites: Fable

With acclaim from the likes of The Guardian, Rolling Stone and BBC 6Music’s Chris Hawkins, Brighton based artist Fable has recently made her return to music after taking some time out after suffering from depression and burnout following the loss of a close friend. Now an ambassador for mental health charity My Black Dog, her upcoming debut album is due later this year. Covering a range of poignant issues, the album is filled with heartfelt offerings that blur genre boundaries with a sweeping, dark majesty and hypnotic splendour.

Following the release of spellbinding recent single ‘Orbiting’, we spoke to Fable about the five albums that mean the most to her. Check out her choices below, and watch her video for ‘Orbiting’ at the end of this article. 

Radiohead – In Rainbows
This album crept into my life when I was in my early teens. It grew almost organically in my mind from a whisper of “Ah, this is agreeable, I’ll give it another go” to “I think this is the best album of all time…” Every song paints a picture in my mind – Thom’s delivery of profound nothingness is everything. ‘Nude’ is probably my favourite track with its glittering darkness that literally breaks me every time I hear it, and ‘Reckoner’ offers a cryptically wise piece of lyricism over the beautiful simplicity and a supernatural presence. I remember listening to it on the bus home from school feeling like the music understood me, not the other way around. And, if I could pick more, there are a few Radiohead albums that would make the list. The infinite possibilities of creative freedom that Thom displays in his writing is what I am constantly checking myself for.

Kate Bush – Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush is my inner child, she lifts my spirits and always tells the truth. My mum had the cassette and I would rewind ‘Cloud Busting’ for the line “… just saying it could even make it happen” – the open endedness and desperation in her voice is so moving, it’s hopeful and hopeless at the same time. I’ve definitely drawn from her work subconsciously, especially in my 4th release from the album that’s due out in the Autumn.

Gorillaz – Demon Days
The first album I ever bought on CD – I fell in love with it instantly. The theatrics of the intro setting the stage to drop straight into that filthy drum machine on ‘Last Living Souls’ is superb and the contrast between organic sounds and electronic are perfectly balanced. I love it when an album plays with the flow of time and really takes you on an adventure like this one does. I think Damon’s concept was to begin at dusk, take you to meet his demons with the last track representing the sun rising. When I heard that it all made sense. I used to go to countryside raves frequently and the last track ‘Demon Days’ would be the song I’d bang on the car speakers at sunrise.

David Bowie – Black Star
I’m still here wondering how this is possible – how someone can create such a relevant and stunning piece of work at 69, put on a staged musical production of the album, all whilst battling cancer. If anyone can, it’s Bowie, but it must have been exhausting. There is an urgency to the album which really breaks my heart. Here is a poet’s experience of mortality, documented in song. This album will always remind me of loss -I saw Lazarus the musical the night after hearing about the death of my friend and the music had such an impact on how I remember that time. It’s been really hard to pick a single Bowie album but this one will always be sentimental. 

Portishead – Dummy
There’s something really special about this album and it features in one of my earliest memories: I was 4 in my parents’ kitchen when I heard ‘Numb’ on the radio. Even at that age, this track completely enchanted me. Everything about it is an unsettling contradiction – it’s kinda like marijuana, in how it gets you loose and comfortable before unveiling the dark truths. Beth’s vocals are deliciously heartbreaking and reminiscent of Billie Holiday, who I also adore, along with the jazz influence. From that moment in the kitchen, they’ve been a huge influence on my writing. Their use of space and sonic contrast is so inspiring, it’s blunt yet silky and holds your hand through the haunted house of comedowns and urban decay. Everything about it is beautiful. My most recent single ‘Orbiting’ has had Portishead comparisons drawn in the press, which didn’t surprise me – I guess we’re having another societal comedown that needs a soundtrack.

Huge thanks to Fable for sharing her Five Favourites with us! Check out the video for recent single ‘Orbiting’ below:

 

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Track Of The Day: Christine Sako – ‘Sediments’

Shimmering droplets of electronic chimes and personable percussion make for a reassuring comfort in San Diego-based Christine Sako’s ‘Sediments’. Beginning with a clean yet glossy guitar riff, delays tease of nostalgia the moment ‘Sediments’ dawns. A simple, satisfying drum beat enters effortlessly and carries on with a particular catchiness in its minimalistic demeanour.

Natural and feather-like vocals feel earnest as Sako shares a story that feels well steeped in. She explains directly – “It’s been a longtime coming around” – and her intimacy with her experience creates an emotion-driven and immersive listen. ‘Sediments’ are reminders of what we know to be comfortable and true, though in their absence there certainly is a loneliness that arises.

Indie-pop production is casted over the lush electro vocal in a sentimental way that feels naturally creative. And, whilst Sako has apparent influence sourced from a wide taste of genres both acoustic and electronic, she fuses them together with twinkling melodies to create something that is uniquely her own; both heartfelt and poignant. 

With a genuine disposition that emulates lyrically and sonically, Christine Sako displays an earnest knack for songwriting that is intriguing for her listeners. ‘Sediments’ is a stirring snapshot into her world that feels like an honest conversation with a friend.

 

Find out more about Christine Sako on her website or Facebook now.

Jill Goyeau
@jillybxxn

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