Cat Ryan was first featured here on The Static Dive in April, upon the release of their brilliant single “Mannerism.” I immediately fell for the eclectic Art-Rock/Modern-Shoegaze sound of this creative young trio from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Led by Mary-Anne, the group’s mononymous lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, they deliver their innately keen Pop sensibilities with the adventurous attitude of classic 1980’s Alternative Rock.
Musically, the band mixes it up a bit this time with some very cool experimental instrumentation. Mary-Anne has set aside her guitar in favor of a Japanese Koto. The distinctive sounding plucked-stringed instrument trades lines with electronic keyboards, each matching the melody of the vocals. It is a fun and exotic sound. A melodic bass line, paired with a mix of live drums and programmed percussion, gives the rhythm track a cool Cure vibe.
“Blessed Through the TV” continues the Cat Ryan penchant for insidiously making us think. They do this with quirky and infectiously catchy Pop hooks paired with a clever lyrical analysis of human behaviour. As the lead singer explains, the song explores the pretense and failed execution of commitment.
[Blessed…] deals with the theme of half-heartedness; the limbo between abandonment and commitment,” explains Mary-Anne. “Lyrically the song is packed with metaphors exploring this whilst referring to the original inspiration: being sent an angel figurine (the one that features on the single artwork) from my aunt. The Pope had done a mass blessing through the television, telling people to hold items up to the tv to be blessed. It didn’t quite make sense to me; it was almost a half-hearted blessing, and this sparked the ideas behind the song.”
Cat Ryan lead singer, Mary-Anne
Check out “Blessed Through the TV” on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. And follow the links below to connect with this exciting new band.