Discovering a band like Kitten is akin to finding diamonds in a coal mine. Buried beneath the surface, their multifaceted sound hasn’t yet reached notoriety but shines brighter than that of their counterparts.
At first glance, Kitten’s youthful image could stigmatize the indie band as simply another group of teenaged rockers. After all, the Los Angeles-based alternative band is fronted by 17-year-old Chloe Chaidez, and 20-somethings Andy Miller, Christopher Vogel, Lukas Frank and Bryan De Leon.
Countering this assumption is Kitten’s mature sound, refreshingly retro and cutting that combines fundamentals from 80s rock and new wave. Categorizing Kitten’s sound as “alternative” is fitting as every track experiments with different techniques, speeds and beats. From one song to the next, no guitar riff or synth trill is ever consistent. But that’s why their music works.
Their latest release “Cut it Out,” a six song EP released in August, teases Kitten’s developing sound in anticipation of their debut full-length album due next year.
“Cut It Out” consists of catchy lyrics that capture typical teenage woes while simultaneously showcasing the glitz and glamour of youth and innocence. Touching upon these themes is something that a band like Kitten could effortlessly embellish with the members so soon out of their teen years. However, even as Chaidez spills tales of teenage dreams, surrounded by the band’s spot-on instrumentation vigorously striking their cues, the band sounds mature for its age.
With basic names like “G#,” “Sugar,” “Junk” and “Christina,” the EP’s tracks contribute to Kitten’s irresistible aura that the band strives so hard to present in their dynamic sound. Their drive is exemplified on “Japanese Eyes,” a synthesized daydream full of smooth guitar and bass chords, thumping drumbeats and Chaidez’s powerful vocals.
Still a growing band, Kitten has room to fine-tune their song-writing skills. But this EP proves that they already possess the “wow” factor that every band desperately works years for.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
