Partly Cloudy
Sqft, 2023
8/10
The debut album from the dream-pop artist Catbells, these 13 tracks might remind you of Nico and Mazzy Star in a lo-fi, bedroom pop sort of way.
“Fade (Rainy Day Demo)” opens the listen with soft acoustic guitar and crisp drums that complement Catbells’ calm, expressive singing which pays close attention to mood, and “Wilderness” follows with just a hint of grit amid the thumping drums, melodic guitar and pretty vocals.
Further along, “Like A Memory” touches on nostalgic folk ideas via the very dreamy song craft, while “Ask Me Tomorrow” swirls with a haze of sad beauty that’s heartfelt and poetic.
Arriving near the end, the atmospheric “Leaves” benefits much from warm bass lines that suit the soothing climate of emotive singing, and “Riding Tides” exits with a stripped back approach of rawness that’s personal and sincere.
Billy Mohler’s contributions are quite enormous here, and the electronic bouts add much to the melancholic and intimate vision that draws us into Catbells’ soul-stirring presence.
Travels well with: Alpha Cat- Venus Smile; Hushdrops- The Static