from freak fighter to lamp lighter

OccultHawk · 01-11-2021, 06:26 PM

Universe I by Cats With Hats

https://catswithhats.bandcamp.com/album/universe-i

Hidden opens with an unexpectedly traditionally melodic pipe organ sound that folds into something resembling a Hammond in the style of early pioneer sci-fi film soundtracks. I imagine that the title refers to the possibly hidden nature of earth in this corner of the Milky Way somewhere in this gigantic expanding universe.

The longest track, We Are Moving has some hints of a bowed instrument and introduces distortion as an effect that’s a common refrain through the record. There’s a musical theme reminiscent of recent drone releases on top of electro-acoustic sounds. At about the halfway point a clear loneliness of space theme is introduced. I imagine it’s a sonic homage to the earth and us upon our planet orbiting a star that’s orbiting a black hole and thus the name.

An Indecipherable Mess reminds me of The Grand Vizier’s Garden Party, Part 1: Entrance / Part 2: Entertainment / Part 3: Exit. The song is divided into sections marked by an abrupt click. Sounds like the strings of real piano being strummed.

Once astronauts leave the earth’s orbit the space between earth and Mars isn’t black it’s gray. There’s too much sunlight to see the stars until, if things someday go as planned, the night sky is viewed by human eyes on Mars. That’s what The World Turned Gray is about to me: loneliness finally giving way to curiosity.

Spiraling Inward brings to mind the following Rush lyrics

Quote:

The whole wide world
An endless universe
Yet we keep looking through
The eyeglass in reverse

Eternal Soundscapes is another undeniable space track. Perhaps a statement that our presence is eternal if only an eternal part of an unknown history.

And finally with Between the Fog we seemed to be returned to the universe inside our own craniums. Coming full circle to the albums origins the sounds of an acoustic instrument returns and it’s the least emotionally vague music yet. Sorrow guides the listener into the finale.

Cats With Hats are a great band deserving of far more recognition.