Making Waves: Catfish and The Bottlemen Sell Out Great Scott

Frank Flanagan

Earlier this year I texted a buddy of mine, and told him to check out “Rango” by Catfish and the Bottlemen. In response, he asked “Is it appropriate with my girlfriend in the car?” Sure, Catfish and the Bottlemen is a rather abstract name for a band, but the bands sound is just about refreshing as it gets in this tainted music industry. Started in 2010, the band is still relatively young, and gaining serious momentum. Catfish and the Bottlemen will be playing indie mecca Great Scott in Boston on Thursday, March 5. The show is sold out, however resale tickets are available online for roughly $32. If you are serious about live music and young talent, this is one of the best shows you will afford yourself all year.

Catfish and the Bottlemen released their first full-length record in September 2014. The Balcony, featuring 11 songs, pervades angst, and reflects upon young relationships, and drunken tales from the pub. Catfish’s sound is lead guitar heavy. Lead guitarist Johnny Bond tends to play pretty high up on the scale, and steals many of songs on the album with killer solos. This is not to render any other aspect of the band irrelevant, especially lead vocalist Van McCann. The front-man commands the band’s emotion with a wide range of his own. Catfish and the Bottlemen have found their niche in the indie rock world, where both lyrical and instrumental talents are everything.

If you want to get into he band, just listen to the album – it’s as simple as that. If you are one of those people that can listen to an album from start to finish, not only do I love you, The Balcony will be an enjoyable experience for you. Sadly, like many of you, I have been burned by music bloggers before. Wasting my time listening to shitty albums as made popular by record label sponsored articles and publicity. So as a solution, and to gain your trust, here are a few songs you can start with.

“Rango” is probably my favorite song on the album, and the most energetic. Featuring a supercharged lead guitar, “Rango” is the classic drunken tale of the one night stand you were trying to so hard to avoid with someone who has manipulated you before. “She always knew how to pull your strings.” 

“Fallout” is one of the album’s more somber tracks. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and calmer vibes give the listener a break from the brain-rattling lead guitar, as well as show the Catfish’s range.

“Cocoon” is an affectionate bar-meet story, with the central message: who cares what people think. The track is just one example of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s wit and lyrical intelligence.

Currently on a multinational tour, Catfish and the Bottlemen’s success is not limited to their album. The band has been selling out almost every show they play, and have appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. Check out the band here, and happy listening. 

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