The Native Cats – Process Praise LP (Ride the Snake)
For their second full-length outing, Tasmanian duo the Native Cats (vocalist Peter Escott, who also programs the drums and synths, and bassist Julian Teakle) have condensed the dramatic flair and Ludlum novel noir a bit, making for a moodier, more minimal and more consistent listen in an already-sterling catalogue. Many might argue that there’s not a whole lot of direction for a duo in their particular configuration, so it’s a welcome relief to hear people who are self-aware enough to know when they’ve stumbled on a working formula, and moreover, how to enhance it without losing the script. A lot of that resides on their approach; storyteller Escott’s contributions ensure that there will always be that script, and an entertainer to read it off. His fictions are the heart of this band, and the framing they’re given by his skeletal beats and Teakle’s booming lead melodies (no chords, no problem) are all that’s needed to paint his tales of danger and espionage. They’re just enough band to give the words a slightly sinister, theatrical feel; shaken-not-stirred, long-con coolness for the intellectuals and those who favor them. And when they do break rank, as on the noisome synth hammering that closes “Dani Dani,” it feels 40 stories tall. Very hard to classify or qualify, I’d happily point anyone who’s ever enjoyed Britpop, in particular the nighttime sounds of Pulp, to take a listen to The Native Cats and find themselves as lost and in awe of a modern band as I am. (http://www.ridethesnakerecords.com)
(Doug Mosurock)
