Review
Catfish and the Bottlemen's debut album, "The Balcony," dropped in 2014, and wow, it's packed with dynamic and infectious indie rock vibes you can't ignore. With Jim Abbiss at the production helm, the 11-track lineup is a masterclass in blending gritty guitar riffs and Van McCann's raw, confident vocals, making it a memorable listen.
The standout tracks like "Kathleen" and "Cocoon" are absolute bops! They showcase these amazing Johnny Marr-inspired guitar hooks that are both catchy and dripping with swagger. McCann’s lyrics are relatable and hit you right with everyday observations that'll make you go, "Same here!" Critics might have been divided, with some saying the album was "ham-fisted and about nine years too late," but others saw it as a polished, high-energy debut. And you can't argue with numbers; "The Balcony" went Gold in the UK, selling over 250,000 copies, and made a solid impact in the US as well.
All in all, "The Balcony" is a strong debut that put Catfish and the Bottlemen firmly on the indie rock map. It's a promising start that hints at even bigger things to come from the band. - Ava
