Alpha Cat - Orbit
Alternative/Alt. Rock, Indie Pop Rock, Americana
New York, United States/span>
Overall Impression: "Orbit" is a riveting new release from singer/songwriter Elizabeth McCullough, who records and performs under the name Alpha Cat. The third track on the long awaited album Venus Smile finds McCullough's captivating, folk-tinged vocals accompanied by Doug Pettibone's carefully arranged guitars, ranging from rootsy, jangling hooks to experimental ambient sounds. Industry veterans Reggie McBride (bass) and Jason Harrison Smith (drums) make ups the rhythm section here, providing a solid foundation on this mid tempo alt-rock number. McCullough's thoughtfully poetic lyrics conjure up wondrous cosmic imagery that's reflected in the music, employing clever astrophysical metaphors to convey the infinite sadness and spatial yearning that's sure to resonate with listeners on any number of levels. Alternative singer/songwriter and indie rock fans in particular should absolutely check out Alpha Cat's "Orbit" as well as the rest of Venus Smile, now available on all major streaming music platforms.
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, excellent mix. Good tonal balance. Great intro and outro, frames the track nicely and sets the spacey atmosphere. Guitars sound fantastic, wonderful tonal variety and use of color. Drums and bass work together perfectly, great steady rock groove. Vocal sounds phenomenal, really shows off your range and control of your instrument with stirring dynamics. Brilliant songwriting; deep, heady prose that's somehow both joyous and maudlin, set to a truly compelling and unique melody. At almost six minutes, it's a very satisfying listening experience from top to bottom, should keep audiences engaged and will leave them with something to think about. All in all, it's a remarkable track, very well constructed and fully-realized. Stellar work by everyone involved!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Rock, Adult Alternative, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary Pop/Rock
Artist target suggestions: Aimee Mann, St. Vincent, Halsey, Pretenders, The Head and the Heart, Dido, Rilo Kelly, Lucinda Williams, Alanis Morissette, Heather Maloney, HAIM, Laura Veirs, Florence + the Machine, Heather Nova, Angel Olsen, Joan as Policewoman, Beth Orton, Kate Bush, Feist, Cat Power, Neko Case, Patti Smith, Fiona Apple, Joni Mitchell
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre, from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers