Review: KatzKab - 'Objet N°1'

KATZKAB

'Objet N°1'

PROJEKTRECORDS

Rising from the ashes of Katzenjammer Kabarett, Paris' new electro-punk cabaret quintet, KatzKab have some exciting shoes to fill. Formed around the duo of Klishee (Piano/Synths) and Mr Guillotine (Bass Guitar), the new project is just as diverse as its predecessor, but gets a whole new vibe courtesy of new members Vik B. (Vocals) and Mr. Monsterhead (Guitar). The band retains the iconoclastic genre-hopping sound and Dadaist mentality yet has a playful pop appeal in the vein of The B52s, Lena Lovich and Soft Cell.

From the get go the band set out to challenge the listener. The quirky vocal style of Vik. B, which can only rightly be compared to Katie Pierson of The B52s, underpins a sound that combines jazzy basslines with gypsy violins, danceable synths, deathrock embellishments and post-punk guitars. Songs like 'Miracle', 'Harold And The Body', 'Let's Burn The Rich', 'Voodoo Catwalk' and 'Lithopedion Boy' all show off an incredibly diverse range that has a strong dance appeal. Despite it's often complicated construction the songs all make good use of strutting beats, memorable melodies and sing-a-long lyrics which will see this play well to both club and live audiences.

The band have opted for a sharp and punchy attack that sees the songs weigh in at around three-to-four minutes in length, and with only eleven songs on the album it does feel like a “love you and leave you experience”. However the one minute 'Interlude' does feel a little superfluous as it blends itself into the intro to 'Lithopedion Boy'.

In terms of production this is a great example of how to keep a band's pop appeal without dulling their experimental edginess. There is no set template and every song feels like it has been constructed to individual merit rather than to some set overall plan, which is very refreshing to hear.

This is a very strong début from a band looking to surpass it's predecessor and forge ahead. KatzKab feel fresh and interesting and with 'Objet N°1' have easily defined themselves in an ever burgeoning scene.

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