Search - Black Cat Music :: Hands in the Estuary Torso in the Lake

Dark. . .Moody. . .and Rocks Like Hell ! ! !

Chris Huene | Edwardsville, IL United States | 11/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This band definitely has a sound that I haven't heard many bands playing with the exception of the Murder City Devils. Dark and brooding with a slow burning intensity at times and strained sounding vocals. Their first full-length, this seems to have a few more of the slow burners here but is still a great record and has enough rocknroll friction to spark fires all over the place. The previous Eps are great too. If you get this one and like it, definitely search those out as well."

Perfect dark rock

Kami MonkeyPants | Brooklyn, NY | 06/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a world of millions of different genres and sub-genres, and a need to label all music as something I struggle to find a term more concise than rock for bands like Black Cat Music. Clearly influenced by punk and post-punk movements, this West Coast band is playing some of the most solid rock today and it's such a shame that more people have yet to catch on to exactly how great they are.
Of course, maybe that's because of problems like this: The first song on the disc, "The Valentine" is undoubtedly one of the weaker songs. Starting out with a track like that makes it hard for the listener to want to continue. If you manage to continue, the Eno-influenced opening of "The Chain-Snatcher" is enough to make anyone want to stick around for the rest of the disc. This is music that makes you want to put on tight pants, and go drinking and dancing at a small, seedy, downtown bar. Not to say this is totally original - the howling vocals are reminiscent of a variety of "post-hardcore" bands such as the Murder City Devils, or The Panthers.
There are two real gems on this disc. First, "The Williamsburg Bridge Song," a song with a heartbreaking, hollow sadness that is practically unparalleled. It's also a plus to the song as a whole that they can use MTA train and bus lines in the song and not sound trite nor like they are trying to be hip by proxy by name checking New York. The album's second gem comes directly after with "The Princess Dress." From the upbeat beginning to the truly rocking vocals, this song is an amazing throwback to danceable dirty-sounding rock. All in all, this is a great disc and should not be missed."

Their best work yet...

Sonia Mistry | Albany, California USA | 10/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've listened to the previous album, The Only Thing We'll Ever Be is All Alone, and I've seen these boys live, and I've enjoyed all of it, but this album is more sophisticated than their previous work - it has cohesiveness and flows as a unit. This band is evolving and I believe they will continue to get better. I don't mean to detract from their previous album - my favorite BCM song is actually on the older of the two LPs. If you enjoy this genre of music punk/harder rock-style stuff, I think you will enjoy this album, and probably their earlier releases as well. I've dragged friends to their shows who don't typically like punk and they enjoyed it, too. Give these guys a chance."