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| Strange Little Creature (2004) This album is much spikier than Chemical Jazz. "Dizzy Q" on Chemical Jazz gives a clue as to the direction I was going to take with this.
 | This album has a lot of very ambiguous songs on it. My own feeling is that the order in which the songs appear follows a trajectory from a sort of benign vanity to a more sinister narcissism. They're all about me in some way ... for good and bad (but not necessarily ugly). I came up with the phrase "indie-rock-pop-glam-jazz" for it but it hasn't taken off. |
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| Phase 9: Review by EDF (Editor's Pick - 6 out of 6)A short time has passed since I reviewed CatDesigner’s debut album CHEMICAL JAZZ. Now that was a good album but the follow-up STRANGE LITTLE CREATURE is an even better album. Musical ideas just flow out left, right and centre and this is partly due to Qy on keyboards fleshing out each track with an added depth that was lacking in parts on the debut album. The leading track on the album, VAIN AS I AM, has a psychedelic 1960’s feel crossed with Scott Walker, making this a compelling start. Multi-instrumentalist Nick Troop’s psychological songwriting side comes to the forefront on A MIND LIKE MINE. The title track features the sort of vague lyrics that most big label artists just would not attempt to write. In other words, it’s up to the listener to make whatever they want from the lyrics. GOOD THOUGHTS sounds a bit like the Smiths and features the best crooning I’ve heard since Morrissey’s last album. You are reminded that people shamefully just don’t make this sort of music anymore. We then enter the heavy metal section on the album with FREAK SHOW. The ideas are good but this sort of track would sound better with extra musicians backing Nick. The loud makes way for the soft as the quiet first part of HEAVEN’S ON YOUR SIDE makes way for an unexpected loud crunching guitar romp. The message of longing expressed in COME AROUND is straight forward enough and I do like the vocal backing at the end of the song. This is followed by the track that actually put a smile on my face, the playful CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HEAD. There are a few people I know that could so easily fit the sentiments of the song. The phased guitar effect on STRANGE GODS works really well and for some strange reason this track reminds me of The Icicle Works. We finally come across the Jeff Buckley influence on the closing track WHITE FIRE and there is nothing wrong with that. It’s great to see an artist who was only around for such a short while, have a major influence on other musicians. This is a better follow-up album than it has any right to be. While the first album showed a lot of promise, the second album allows Nick’s visions to be fully realised. The potential of his newly recruited bass and drum players adding new layers to these songs in a live setting is an appealing thought. Circle Magazine: Nicole VolpicelliAn easy way to recognize a good band is when they come out with an amazing debut album. An even easier way to recognize an extraordinary band is when their following album is even better than before. CatDesigners' second recording, Strange Little Creature, is proof that this band does not only strive to maintain an original and innovative style of their own, but they strive for excellence and they will not finish evolving until their dying day. CatDesigners is not just another run of the mill British pop band, they put a futuristic spin on 1960's classic rock, creating a sound just their own. Listening to songs from the LP, Strange Little Creature, such as "Good Thoughts" takes us back to a time when music was not completely synthesized and more from the heart than from the record companies idea bin. Splendid E-zine: Review by George ZahoraA couple of months ago, I recommended CatDesigners' Chemical Jazz. The handful of you who've been waiting with bated breath to hear my opinion of Nick Troop's sophomore album can now relax: Strange Little Creature maintains the debut's quality standard. If you've ever been mesmerized by Jeff Buckley's vocals, or if you still swoon for florid, glammy early-nineties Britpop, you should probably add CatDesigners to your shopping list. If you enjoyed Chemical Jazz, as I did, you'll find little to complain about here. It's a more confident effort, less self-consciously showy, full of nervous swagger and barely-subdued psychosis. "Vain as I am," Troop says in the eponymous glam-folk opener, "you can't read my mind." That may be, but he's about as good with secrets as a Bond villain: "A Mind Like Mine" paints a Blurred but indelible mental picture in lurid fingerpaints, its fey vibratoed guitar gushing into a riffed up chorus daubed with over-the-top organ accents. The title track's off-kilter love story is a more subdued affair, its even-handed tune dabbed with funfair keyboards, while "Good Thoughts"' underplayed folk-rock intro is a fakeout; Morrissey-worthy crooning ensues, with ebowed guitars adding to the lingering late-night moodiness. If you've been waiting for the group to break the Chemical Jazz mold, skip forward to "Freak Show"; droning monotonal vocals and guttural buzzsaw guitars (set to "dice") churn over a frantic, stop-starting double-time rhythm - it's more like a nervous breakdown than the titular exhibition, really. "Heaven's On Your Side" seems to promise a dreamy pop respite, but a squawking guitar and lockstep glam-rock rhythm quickly steal the focus. "Congratulations On Your Head" hammers its title phrase into a modernized monster-rock strut, and the sublime "Strange Gods" drops a shameless phasing effect into herky-jerky binary power-pop, layering the chorus with streams of synthesizer glitter. Overall, there's certainly no reason to assume that CatDesigners are stuck in a creative rut. Strange Little Creature acknowledges the group's past successes, and proves that they weren't a fluke. Whisperin' & Hollerin': Review by Tim Peacock (Rating: 8/10)Cat Designers' leader Nick Troop announced his presence as a man to watch with the release of his band's debut album "Chemical Jazz" last Autumn. That album showcased a fertile mind in overdrive and at home with exciting eclecticism. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that the second instalment was awaited with expectation around these parts. Not that Nick's after the My Bloody Valentine award for indolence, as "Strange Little Creature" arrives a mere five months or so after "Chemical Jazz", but that's not to say it's rushed at all. Indeed, if anything, it's maybe a tad more polished than Cat Designers' first album, and certainly it's a more consistent rock album, but the playfulness and possibilities are happily intact and "Strange Little Creature" is undoubtedly again an animal of a different stripe you'll want to observe in detail for some time to come. The album kicks off with the stylish, slightly louche "Vain As I Am", which again checks in with Nick's penchant for early Bowie, but also nods to Suede and (interestingly) the Blue Orchids en route, too. At one point, Nick sings "You can't read my mind" with some relish. He's right, too: CatDesigners are deceptive and always intriguing. Things continue with a double whammy of catchy set pieces in "A Mind Like Mine" and the title track. The former finds some cool vibrato guitar introducing a woozily swaggering choon, slightly reminiscent of Blur before the heavy guitar artillery blasts in at the chorus, while "Strange Little Creature" is Glam-my in execution ( echoes of Peter Hammill's great "Nadir's Big Chance" anyone?) and manages to be both teasing and slightly disturbing. Arguably your reviewer's favourite track here, "Good Thoughts" comes next and it's an unnerving beast. Throwing a dummy with a brief acoustic intro, it gives way to a slow-burning, cavernous rock song with yearning E-bowed guitars. It's experience-fuelled and regretful lyrically, with Troop sadly droning "leave the light when you sleep, have only good thoughts of me" at the chorus, leaving you with a tangible feeling of small hours psychosis blues. The fuzz bass and heavily-flanged, punky riffing of "Freak Show" ensure this is another surprise, while the Jeff Buckley-ish vocals work as a good counterpoint. It's a tad throwaway, though, and soon eclipsed by "Heaven's On Your Side", which starts out with acoustic and orchestral inclinations but erupts mid-way with more revved-up Glam riffs comin' on strong. It's an unlikely mix, but works like a dream. "Come Around" is up next and it's another fave inside this head. This time, it's stripped right down, just Nick and dreamy, Vini Reilly-style guitar, alternating between tender and weirdly threatening as he sings "Which of my thoughts would suit your taste? Whether I'd stroke or strike your face." The battle between good intentions and full-on psychosis continues with the churning, "Nuggets"-style wig out of "Congratulations On Your Head", which comes on as lustful, clautrophobic and deadly all at once. The edginess hardly dissipates with the ensuing "Strange Gods," either, though with flanged guitars and soaraway keyboards from Qy it's musically very immediate. Following that, it's up to "White Fire" to bring a dramatic conclusion - via a Spector-ish chord sequence and baroque guitar break - to CatDesigners' second consistently fine album. The word from within is that Nick's got a new rhythm section in, too, so hopefully you'll be able to get the lowdown stagefront soon. For now, though, I'd seriously suggest you jump the queue and delve into CatDesigners' ever-shifting, always tantalising soundworld of your own volition. "Strange Little Creature" throws attractive musical shapes however many times you place it under the microscope. Alt Culture Guide and Mondo Gordo: Joe WallaceYes, this album is a pure 80s throwback. Yes, it does bear striking resemblance to a series of records released by a mopey, allegedly virginal singer whose name rhymes with Whore-issey. Could these things be the recipe for success? YES! Strange Little Creature is just plain fun. If the Smiths built a career on writing up-tempo music for depressed people, CatDesigners go a step farther. The band will most likely want to flog me for saying as much. No matter, the songs are nicely skewed, slightly warped and cliché-free. Three cheers for a band that knows when a musical influence should end and where good songwriting must begin. Singer Nick Troop has a fluid voice that only finds itself out of place on "Freak Show," which doesn't quite fit with the rest of the cuts. It attempts to be a hard rocker somewhere close to a good Suede single, but CatDesigners don't have their hearts in it. Add to that the fact that Troop is one of those rare singers who is far better left on his own; when the "Freak Show" harmonies come in they detract rather than add to the performance. "Congratulations On Your Head" sounds like an alternative radio hit waiting to happen: a start-and-stop number with just enough saucy attitude to make the grade, without getting too flamboyant. "Strange Gods" again strays close to Suede territory, but with much better results than "Freak Show." CatDesigners are yet another group that does well in sidestepping endless vocal overdubs and "giant guitar" processing tricks. This is not a lo-fi album by any stretch of the imagination, but the songs are finely crafted and presented well. The CD bears up to repeated listens well. Put it in your changer and let it shuffle around. Be prepared to grow addicted to the "Strange Gods" track for its fabulously simple-and-catchy guitar and keyboard riffs. Keep an eye on this band; they will most likely start edging their way into a bigger spotlight soon. Hot on the heels of the debut follows CatDesigners' second album. Nick Troop has written and played everything on it so it's a one man band so far. The psychedelic strains of opener "Vain as I am" winks at Syd Barrett and Julian Cope. "A mind like mine" sees Troop rocking out a bit more than usual. This one sounds like Blur in a weird mode. "Good Thoughts" has Troop sounding like a cousin of Morrissey, wailing plaintively. He echoes Stone Roses' John Squire on guitar. "Heaven's on your Side" is as great a song as I've heard all year. It goes from a laid-back opening to a frantic pace. This record is more fleshed out than the debut, but it has the same great amount of great songs. Nick Troop should have a bright future ahead of him. Fufkin: Review by Mike BennettBritish band plays guitar pop songs kissed with bits of psychedelia, art rock and a bit of charming Anglo wigginess. So the tunes float in a netherworld somewhere between Robyn Hitchcock, 10CC, Robert Wyatt, Pink Floyd and other eccentrics. And while the beginning of the disc is characterized by polite-yet-bent mid tempo stuff, there is a tension lurking underneath that bursts on the lurching, fuzz toned "Freak Show", a song which is driven by a thick bass line as it circles around the ears like an off-center carousel. From there, the second half of the disc contains some particularly inspired sounds. On "Strange Gods", the bass line moves up and down the scales, while the guitar has that space age sound I associate with Pete Shelley's solo records. Then, like icing on the cake, a pretty keyboard passage (think Ultravox, circa "Reap The Wild Wind") provides a nifty contrast, fitting in despite the fact that it doesn't really fit. The spiffy "Congratulations on Your Head" is all sinister guitars and spidery bass, sounding like The Smiths meeting John Entwhistle at his most biting. The more straightforward songs are not to be dismissed - "Vague As I Am" and the title cut are quite memorable. Past & Present: Review by Hans Jakup Eidisgard (rating 4 out of 5)Last month we reviewed CatDesigners “Chemical Jazz” album and now we’re ready with a brand new one (yet another one is due later as I also said last month). “Strange Little Creature" is actually even better than “Chemical Jazz.” It’s a little different, but it’s hard to put a finger on exactly where. It’s just one of those albums that you know you like and where words really are unnecessary. If you like British pop and rock music then CatDesigners are for you, and they’re not just another “run of the mill” British sounding band either. They’re good. Nighttimes: Review by Rob ForbesCatDesigners are the result of an English musical and cultural legacy which embraces Ray Davies, David Bowie and, equally, a decent cup of tea. Strange Little Creature (Googlie Mooglie Records) is their second album, a glammy indie-pop effort which wears its history boldly on its sleeve like a badge of honour. They positively wallow in their Englishness, clasping onto their heritage and reshaping it whenever possible. Occasionally they remind me just a little too much of other bands: "Strange Gods" is early, post-John Foxx Ultravox, done with taste, fronted by by someone worthy, rather than moustachioed twerp, Midge Ure. "Heaven's On Your Side" wouldn't have sounded out of place on the first Suede album, but for the most part they shun imitation and forge ahead on their own quirky course. Difficult second albums aren't supposed to be this good, but this one is, and should therefore be lauded without reservation. CatDesigners, consider yourself lauded.
Musical Style: Suede, The Doors CatDesigners' sound is trippy and psychedelic but fortunately not old fashioned to my ears. Imagine Pulp along with Suede jamming together the songs of David Bowie and The Doors. Confused? So am I, but I like the musical result, it's all British to me! Every song has a different personality and the psychological concept of mental representation divides this personality into ten ambiguous figures drawn by music. CatDesigners are also at Number 6 in the Skylight Playlist! Smother.net: Review by J-SinThe United Kingdom's Googlie Mooglie Records impressionistic indie band CatDesigners recalls Bowie with ease. Often dizzily dangling guitar chords with groovy bass and vocals that could blush the best of the business, "Strange Little Creatures" is one of those albums not cut from the same stuff as the rest are. Absolutely bizarre and eclectic in scope and range, the title track is a bouncy number with melodic vocals that are eons ahead of its time. Sure the Jeff Buckley influences are abound but this Britpop band is no nominal rip-off artist; indeed they expand on his early creations for some new and refreshing encased in a pop canister. Zeitgeist: Review by Scott HamiltonI'm always pleased when someone makes a record that sounds as they've hoovered up as many drugs as I did in my youth. At least I do when they paint the pictures I used to see in my head, not when they find one note and stretch out for several weeks to no effect (hello Mr Ozric and Ms Tentacle). And here's another addition to my collection of "woah ..... look at the horses, man" mental imagery file. CatDesigners' debut album was called Chemical Jazz, which seems a very appropriate title, if installment number 2 is anything to go by. 'Genres? We don't need no stinking genres'. Just the way we like it. There are some wonderful moments contained within these grooves (groove? how many grooves(s) are in a CD?). "A Mind Like Mine" ambles along in cowboy fashion, while the title track is very Van Der Graaf in its execution. "Freak Show" is an odd mix of the Buzzcocks and Jeff Buckley, while the punk-prog-jazz mix continues on "Come Around", which has a catatonic vocal allied to a spiky early eighties indie guitar sound. Sounds pap, but works a treat. The progsters amongst us will warm most to "Congratulations On Your Head", which is just as psychotic as the title suggests. There are a few where it all turns a bit Radiohead, but that's what the skip button was invented for. Nick Troop is the man behind CatDesigners and I would encourage you to support his peculiar ways, wholeheartedly. SyntheticsTranslated from the German by our friend, Anna Renz (thanks, Anna). Strange, and therefore ingenious, music is more and more difficult to find. The search for it is becoming increasingly hard and very often simply unsuccessful. Somtimes it's just luck when a CD called "Strange Little Creature" falls into your hands and, because of the artwork, you can't quite imagine you whould actually want to listen to it several days in a row. But one shouldn't be put off by appearances as, especially in the area of design, it's all a matter of taste. And CatDesigners simply seem to have a very unique one which one can hear very well in their music, which offers everything one could ask for in good music from David Bowie, The Cure, The Smiths, Blur and Beck, all of which makes this independent CD very accessible. For those of you who are looking for something new without having to give up old habits, CatDesigners is the exactly the right thing. Impact Press: Review by J.C. CarnahanImagine Morrissey as the front man for The Dead one minute and David Bowie with Trent Reznor the next and you might get the idea what CatDesigner may sound like. At times trippy and psychedelic, at times rocking out or mellowing out, this release is creative to the point that not only is the music capturing, but the stories through these songs add pure substance as well. Expect a better album than their debut Chemical Jazz and more than enough experimentation. Music Morsels: Review by Mark E. WaterburyThe Doors and Talking Heads come to mind immediately when listening to “Vain as I Am,” the lead track from this Brit foursome. They put a nice edge on it so it’s not totally retro, and Nick Troop’s haunting Morrison meets Byrne voice is hard to ignore or resist. Eerie keyboards, crunchy guitars and twisted hooks permeate the music. The psychedelia backdrop has an occasionally Bowie vibe, the crowning touch to music that is lively, intense, well thought out and composed. Demorama: Review by Neal MayerleCatDesigners is the baby of Nick Troop, a talented English songwriter and vocalist. Nick would be the perfect lead in a David Bowie tribute band since it sounds like he is impersonating him on this entire album. If fact, Nick seems to enjoy him so much that he actually lists him as an influence more than once on the press kit ("first and last and always" - his words, not mine). Iman, please consider yourself warned. Some may see this obsession as an 'issue' or maybe a personality disorder but I look at this Bowie fetish as a positive thing since the songs on Strange Little Creature are, actually, very good. They push the boundaries of pop music and leave you with something memorable. Songs such as 'Vain As I Am' and 'Strange Little Creature' would put a smile on Ziggy Stardust's face.
Jazz Dimensions: Review by Carina Prange"Strange Little Creature" ist das zweite Album der Londoner Band um Sänger und Mastermind Nick Troop, der gelegentlich mit Steve Buckley verglichen wird. Gemeinsam mit seinen Kumpanen Steve Heath und Fred Binding an Bass und Drums hat er eine CD eingespielt, deren Poprock an die Musik der 80er erinnert, aber doch sehr eigen ist. Stücke wie der Titeltrack "Strange Little Creature" oder das lässig aus dem Handgelenk geschüttelte "Vain as I am" locken mit Tremolo-Gitarrenriffs, verzerrten Bässen, psychedelischer Atmosphäre und Nick Troops mitreißendem Gesang jeden Faulenzer hinterm Ofen hervor. Song um Song ist im Grunde eine Pop-Perle für sich – ob man die Band nun in die Retro-Kiste packt oder als "zeitgenössischen Brit-Pop" bezeichnet, ist nebensächlich, Catdesigners sind eine Klasse für sich. Nick Troops "strange" Texte und seine guten Soundideen machen das Album zu etwas sehr Speziellem. Und der Chef-Katzendesigner zeichnet auch noch verantwortlich für Arrangement und Produktion. Schräger Geheimtipp-Pop, der es verdient, populärer zu sein! | |
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