Chances are that if you’re even casually paying attention to the ska music scene lately, you’ve heard of Catbite. This is for two reasons really. First, they’re absolutely amazing. Second, they’re probably one of the most active ska bands in terms of promotion and social media. They’re everywhere, and I genuinely smile when I see them pop up every day in my feeds. This week, all their hard work pays off because Nice One, their sophomore full-length on Bad Time Records, gets unleashed onto the world.
I hope the world is ready, because Catbite is changing the game with this one.
When I first heard their 2019 self-titled debut, I was hooked from the first organ note on “Come On Baby.” It was up tempo, catchy, and fun to listen to. The entire album had a fresh feel to it – one that didn’t feel like a debut. To be quite honest, it was better than most bands who have been making music for decades. It had a perfect blend of ska music, rock, dreamy ’60s pop, and soul. It was a debut that really built up my personal anticipation for the follow-up. The real question is, can a band with such a strong debut live up to the high quality their fans are accustomed to? I’m happy to report that with Nice One, the answer is a resounding yes.
The album kicks things off with an absolute gem called “Asinine Aesthetic.” It channels The Romantics, The Clash, Elvis Costello, and ’60s garage rock, with a nice 2-Tone-esque backbone. The song demands attention with its infectious hooks and sing-a-long chorus. Its energy and tempo sets the perfect tone of what to expect on the rest of the album.
The band doesn’t let up either. Up next, is the album’s first single, “Call Your Bluff.” Sonically, it feels like the sound I wish Rancid stuck with after Life Won’t Wait. There are also splashes of The Clash thrown in too. Matching the song’s intensity and anthemic feel are the lyrics. The song is extremely empowering and inspiring. It drives the listener towards being the person they want to be, no matter who naysays.
Even if ska will always be at the heart of who Catbite is, there’s much more going on this time around.
Aside from being even more polished and mature-sounding, power pop influences shine through. Each song is a perfectly constructed pop song in their own right. There’s definitely a lot of ska music to be heard, but the band wasn’t scared to flex their other inspirations much more. This makes for a much more well-rounded album. There’s just so much going on that prompts multiple listens so that you can hear all of the fun things happening. At times, I thought I heard some Bruce Springsteen inspiration. At other times, maybe even some Tom Petty, B-52’s, or Joyce Manor. Catbite has perfected the formula for making catchy power pop ska songs that will appeal to ska fans, punk fans, garage rocks fans, and power pop fans alike.
There really is a little something here for everyone.
Want some faster songs with a more punk edge? What about that big guitar sound with lots of fun distortion and effects? How about some slower tempo dance songs with a dash of doo wop and more of a traditional ska feel? Yeah, Nice One has you covered. To be completely honest, it has all of this and more. There’s even a Selena cover that absolutely crushes.
Catbite is right on the cusp. They’re going to be absolutely massive within the next five years. Now is a perfect time to join in on the fun. Nice One is an album that can be played from start to finish. There’s no A-sides or B-sides. Instead, it’s chock full of ten sure fire hits. Just put the needle down on the vinyl, or hit play on your favorite streaming service if that’s more your style, sit back, and just let the music take you away. To put it bluntly, Nice One is an album you need to listen to. It’ll be one of those albums that will be generation-defining work when it’s all said and done.