Since 2011 Farris Badwan and Rachel Zeffira have been making music as Cat’s Eyes. Those of you familiar with Badwan, and his day job band The Horrors, will be aware of his penchant for loud guitars, multi-layered tracks and a dark, moody aesthetic. Cat’s Eyes, however, take a step back to a time when songs were simpler: recorded live and full of luscious melodies. Imagine Danny Elfman producing The Ronettes covering the Cramps and you’re on the right tracks.

Tonight the support was handled by James Canty, “Welcome to Canty’s Kitchen,” he said at one point. His hybrid of electro infused neo-grunge was as chock full of abrasive electronic blips and bleeps as it was with tender, heart-felt lyrics. Between songs Canty spoke to the audience and at times if felt like he was having an existential crisis. “That’s one didn’t go that well. Sometimes it’s just better to do things on your own in a room, right?” And “Why can’t we all just get on? I generally think that all day, every day. Why can’t we get on. It’s more fun, you know?” These charming quips gave a greater insight into the man than his music did, but all too soon his set was over.

After a short break, Cat’s Eyes took to the stage. Walking out to ‘Theme From Twin Peaks’ is an audacious move, conjuring up images and feelings that are hard to live up to. These doubts were cast out as soon as Rachel Zeffira started using her incredible soprano vocals to sing the melody. In all fairness after that I could have left happy but, as it was the first song, it seemed rude to. Next up was ‘Chameleon Queen’: soaring vocals from Zeffira and the four-piece choir, juxtaposed with Badwan’s monotone delivery. After that ephemeral opening Cat’s Eyes jumped into ‘Face In The Crowd’, from their self-titled debut album. This was by far the stand out moment of the set, so it was a shame it got played so early. However, it set the tone perfectly for the rest of the set. ‘Face In The Crowd’ is a big, bombastic monster of a pop song, borrowing strongly from Badwan’s garage rock background, with a chorus that sounds like it’s straight out of a Stax single. After this Cat’s Eyes slowed things down a bit with ‘Drag’, which sounded like Angelo Badalamenti trying his hand at a Bond theme.

In between songs Badwan and Zeffira entertained us with their bickering. Badwan would say “I’m not in this one so I’m going to stand over there.” Or, after Zeffira said “Should I tell the story of this one?”, he replied: “Well you haven’t got it right all tour, so why start now?” At first it appeared that Badwan was in a bad mood and out for blood, but after the first one it appeared these barbs were affectionate; you always tease the one you love more than you should.

‘Be Careful Where You Park Your Car’ is written about finding a way to deal with getting dumped badly, telling the story of how Zeffira wrought revenge on her ex’s car. ‘Sunshine Girls’ was another rocker and the band stretched their musical muscles. It feels like an unused Phil Spector demo that has been given a new lease of life. “This is the last time we’re going to play for a while, well this year at least,” Badwan said, before launching into the final song of the night: a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’. Not only was this an incredible cover, but it book-ended the set perfectly, considering another unlikely cover opened the show. After that they walked off the stage and out of our lives until the next time.

Cat’s Eyes are a journey into the darker and more sinister side of pop. Their blend of garage rock roots mixed with the 60s girl-pop vocals make you feel that you’ve stepped into a noirish British New Wave film, but everyone has smartphones and leather jackets. Their kitchen-sink romances and morality tales are sound-tracked by luscious orchestration and meddlesome guitars. As we stepped outside, the wind picked up and made us pull our coats about us to keep the cold out. Walking home alone if felt like I’d been transported again, back into Cat’s Eyes world, only I was the only face in the crowd.

Nick Roseblade

Photos by K Behan Photography

Website: catseyes.tv
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