Cat Bear Tree
Spaces In Between
February
3rd 2013 (self-release)
8/10
London's
Cat Bear Tree are an interesting band. Last year's EP Let's Share
Hearts was a fantastic example
of how the merging together of genres can not only create something
completely unique, but also something completely brilliant as well.
Six months later, the trio are still going strong and are set to
release their first first official single 'Spaces in Between' on the
third of February. And while said EP reflected a far poppier side to
the band, albeit with a liberal dose of DIY mentality and a
smattering of post-punk moodiness, 'Spaces in Between' sees a more
mature sounding band, and one which exudes far more confidence than
anything they've released prior.
Pulling
their influence from bands such as Bikini Kill right down to more
contemporary acts like Bloc Party, there's an inherent sincerity
about 'Spaces in Between', brought on by Zoe Konez's wispy vocals
throughout the understated verses, before a subtle math-rock tinged
breakdown morphs the track in to something more frenetic, something
less straightforward. Whereas previous songs such as 'Crayons' upheld
a differing sense of freneticism, none seem as sombre, nor as fully
released, as their latest release, which relishes in a smoother kind
of energy that permeates the glossy exterior of the track, hinting at
the punk tenancies that reside beneath the silky surface.
To hear the band transcend their initial, rough and ready sound, in to something such as 'Spaces in Between' is fantastic. While they've certainly polished their edges, they've also matured as musicians, whilst never losing the DIY appeal that first struck me. They're a band with energy, with passion, with ethos and ideas; ideas that aren't preached, but planted. And while the sound these girls make doesn't lend itself too heavily to commercial success, one can't help but thing such arbitrary things don't matter Cat Bear Tree, there's more important things in life. And they're right, and as long as they keep producing music that's as strong as 'Spaces in Between', I'll keep supporting them.
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