Back with a bang in the form of ‘Violet Eyes’ – the b-side to their upcoming single ‘See In The Dark’ – it’s Sheffield’s own Catalysts. This buzzing assault on the eardrums encapsulates elements from all of their previous material, whilst further expanding the reaches of the band’s generally stripped-back sound into a realm of fuzz-filled bass lines and ethereal echoes.
Following a tentative, borderline-hypnotic intro, the song bursts into action as Tom Southward-Bruce’s pacy vocals guide us through a torrent of lyrical licks and quintessential quips akin to their funky toe-tapper, ‘Maybelline’. His initials may well be TSB, but you sure as hell won’t feel you’ve wasted your time here. Far from it. This fresh dose of grit has proved to be exactly what was needed both in terms of depth and vigour. I’m in no doubt that this the best the band have sounded thus far. Surely they can only get better.
The band’s debut single, ‘See In The Dark’ (out 16th May) is available to pre-order on iTunes here.
Words by Alex Graham