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 BLACK CAT MUSIC- Hands in the Estuary, Torso In the Lake (Lookout)
Oakland seems to be something of a hot-bed for an emerging New Rock music.
All sorts of rock and post-punk are beginning to be incorporated with the
early 90s punk sound that Lookout is known to foster. Black Cat Music
embodies this aesthetic perhaps more than any of their peers.
"Hands..." is to my knowledge, their second LP and fourth
overall release not counting singles or compilation appearances. The
lyrics remain important, although they are no longer the centerpiece that
they could sometimes be with previous explorations into the darker aspects
of love and addiction. No matter what words are used, the versatile,
strong punk vocals continue to channel a wide range of sensibilities with
ease. Each track on this album has a singular influence which the band
showcases. "The Valentine" is like a study of Birthday-Party-era
Nick Cave, with the inflections and pace of the vocals capturing the
spirit although not the exact sound of this great artist at his emotional
peak. The rhythm section creates an appropriate back-drop while in no way
attempting to copy the danger or brutality of Cave's band. This is not to
say that Black Cat Music is without BALLS, as they pull off heavy and
catchy riffs a la Black Sabbath in the next track, "The Chain
Snatcher." Such outbursts of raucous elation are few, however, as the
band doesn't seem comfortable going over the top for such a sustained
period—no matter how guitar-centered they allow the mix to become.
Theirs is a difficult road: attempting to reconcile their influences with
the development of an individual musical conception. Black Cat Music
perseveres anyhow, making sophisticated and chic rawk, while avoiding
excessive pretension. Extremely confident but not without a sensitive
side, they are something of a Cure-meets-Steppenwolf for the 90s. If
you're having difficulty imagining this, it is probably a good sign that
Black Cat Music are forging their own path. A lot like the Murder City
Devils, but with greater depth, this band will rekindle an excitement in
rock for all but the most jaded listeners. Emotive and commanding, like
them or not, Black Cat Music is not to be missed.-Ryan McKay
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