After five years of inactivity UK duo Cat’s Eyes are back on our radar with the announcement of their new album Treasure House and a confronting new music video.
Faris Badwan – best known as lead vocalist in British indie rocker group The Horrors and Italian-Canadian soprano Rachel Zeffira began their musical affair in 2011 when Badwan introduced Zeffira to 1960s girl group music. It was then that Zeffira found herself inspired by the music, choosing to work on writing tracks in a similar style. The pair’s self-titled debut album was released that same year gaining them positive reviews from both The Guardian and Pitchfork.
Recorded at Real World Studios, the twosome’s new record makes full use of their instrumental prowess stretching their sound from orchestral-pop to indie rock, pushing the boundaries of their collaboration. Zeffira’s classical trained music background and Badwan’s exceptional songwriting abilities are particularly noticeable on tracks Drag and Chameleon Queen.
Drag, the first single off the album depicts a story of a bad relationship too irresistible to deny, despite a person’s better judgement. Zeffira’s silky vocals float gracefully over a wistful piano – almost like a romantic omen of things yet to transpire. The track soon turns and the music picks up and the protagonist is consumed by the idea of sticking it out, despite how shitty she’s being treated.
With an accomplished sound and strong sense of self, Cat’s Eyes are on music high. Treasure House is set for release worldwide on June 3. You can pre-order it on iTunes now.