Catscans - Catscans EP
Genre: Post Rock/Prog Rock
Rating: 6.5/10
Catscans are a four piece band from Leeds who have released a new eponymous EP this year. Forming from the ashes of other projects the band is fairly fresh on the scene and create post rock a genre which has seen quite a significant boom in recent years. This unfortunately brings with it an element of foreboding as with such a wide market it is one particular musical field that is very difficult to stand out in. The main ways in which Catscans attempt to break out from the crowd is by mixing classical with contemporary elements. Whilst many bands have begun to realise the impact classical instruments such as violins and cellos can have in turning dreary and dull compositions into sprawling epics the real notable difference on this EP is found in the rythms.
Post rock is a notoriously difficult genre to master not only because of the hordes of competition but also the unnecessary drive for towards instrumentals. Admittedly the forerunners and defining bands of the genre like the scottish giants Mogwai may be partly to blame for this, noone could have predicted the unprecedented arrival of thousands of voiceless bands. This is an issue that still plagues the genre today and whilst the majority of these bands are very talented it has become more and more difficult to distinguish between acts. Catscans avoid this by mixing elements of prog rock into the formula so whilst you have all the reverb and delicate layers you are also treated to jangly rhythmic blasts from real drums and drum machines alike. The programming does somewhat breathe life into the EP giving it a freshness of its own. Rhythm section aside the music is fairly typical of the genre, soft ambient guitar tones minimalist keys and sweeping string sections are prominent throughout making for an interesting listen. The main downside would have to be the use of vocals throughout. Whilst as a general vocals can serve to give a more individual sound and provide some actual context to the serene landscapes the music paints here it seems to be employed as an instrument. Rather than communicating any real message all the vocals consist of notes being sung without words and without any real lyrics it just seems redundant. Another issue is the length of the EP with only three tracks in total it is very difficult to gleam any real impression of the bands sound. This aside the closing track alone "Untergang" makes this an intriguing release with its icy textures and powerful emotive strings and highlights the bands potential.
Overall Catscans self titled EP averages out as quite a good release. Whilst the band haven't reinvented the rule book or exploded onto the scene in a blaze of glory they display their skills quite humbly and have shown enough potential to keep me watching for future developments.
Download: "Untergang"
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