Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you my band of the generation, Catfish and The Bottlemen, with their highly anticipated,debut album, The Balcony.
HOMESICK - To open the album, we start coincidentally with the first song that I ever heard from these lads. We begin with a soft start, a steady tempo and Van's gorgeous, raspy vocals. This tune, about Van's long distance relationship struggles, is the perfect mix of everything you look for in a good song. We have amazing technique from Billy Bibby and Benji Blakeway, pure talent on percussion from Bob Hall and phenomenal lyrics executed beautifully by Van McCann.
KATHLEEN - It's arguable that this is the song which really kickstarted it for Catfish and The Bottlemen. When Radio One added it to the playlist, 'Catfish and The Bottlemen' were on everyone's lips and Kathleen's everywhere were being told they're 'simpatico' on a daily basis. All with good merit though! This song could easily be described as sexy, as we mix together the drums and the vocals to create a perfect harmony.
COCOON - Cocoon is a prime example of the versatility of this band. Cocoon and Kathleen are almost a juxtaposition of eachother. It gives the album a kick right in the middle, so you go from dancing about to feeling like you need to tell someone that you love them. A key theme in this album seems to be pursuing love, against all the odds, and it shows in this song. 'Fuck it if they talk, fuck it if they try and get to us' is a particularly prominent lyric in this song- when hearing it played at Leeds fest you could see how much this song is cherished in today's society. It's a true love song, but one that you can enjoy without feeling that you need a bucket and a box of tissues at hand.
PACIFIER - ...'she deffo didn't like that no' is a lyric that I must sing to myself on a daily basis. You know why? Because once you've heard this song once, it will never stop playing in your head. Pacifier has become part of the soundtrack of my life, and I love it! This song has an almost 'The Kooks' feel to it, which doesn't go a miss in the centre of the album. The album version is quite different to the version I'd heard on EPs, the guitar feels more electric and when the music reaches a climax it's much more distinctive. After, Fallout, the lyrics of Pacifier seem so much more relevant and for some will be much more relatable than say, Cocoon or Business.
HOURGLASS - this song is the most definitely the one on the album that stands out to me and a welcome breathe of fresh air, it isn't really like anything I've ever heard from the lads. We start off with a little sigh and spoken from the gorgeous (new drinking game: one shot everytime I describe Van McCann as gorgeous, guaranteed results) Van McCann, then some acoustic gutair. However, we have typical, sexy lyrics, with almost a humourous, yet utterly adorable, twist. We get 'I struggle at night with dreams of fucking you all the time' and 'I wanna call them stupid shit' paired with, 'I wanna bring you home myself'. The vocals in this chorus are harmonized beautifully, which really reminds me Radical Face's, Welcome Home...is there anything this band can't do?
BUSINESS - Business is really relatable song, particularly if you've ever been in one of those situations where you just crave someone's presence- despite all their flaws, because to you all they aren't flaws at all. Billy Bibby's skills really shine through on this song, going to show how well the dynamics of this band work together. Anywhere else on The Balcony, so the placing of this song is perfect.
26 - Another new song on the album is this one! I'm a big fan of the opening of this song, I can see it being a house party favourite/one of those 'dance-around-your-bedroom-in-your-underwear songs. Again, this is a very drum prominent song, which deals with growing up with a relationship that still seems quite immature. Hence, the title, 26. I'm a big, big fan.
RANGO - unlike, Pacifier and Tyrants I don't think that Rango has changed much for The Balcony. We're still given The Wombats' (dare I say it?!) backing vocals in contrast with heavy drums from the very, talented Bob Hall. Rango will always remain a favourite!
I'm actually surprised that it hasn't had more attention already!
SIDEWINDER - I'm so so happy that this belter made it on the album, instrumentally it's much more heavy. We are given a beautiful hooks by Billy and Benj and gorgeous lyrics from Van McCann, who's vocals seem more polished in this version
. 'I want to endorse you, I want you to exhaust' is what I would have tattooed on my soul...if that was a thing...which it isn't...but do you see what I mean?
TYRANTS - this song remains my favourite song ever, it's much different to the version that I'm used to. However, this version is much softer and more delicate, especially to begin with- but man, oh man, it works. It makes the lyrics seem more prominent and when we reach the crescendo, after 'let's hit the ground' you really yourself becoming absorbed by the power that this song gives. It's a brilliant way to end a brilliant album.
Star Rating: *****
