“Bluebird” is the newest single from Bradford 4-piece band Ship’s Cat – coming from the bands second album.
Describing themselves on social media as a “fiery blend of rock, grunge, and shoegaze.”
Before we get into the single, I really love the artwork, it’s simple but it’s incredibly effective, showing simply a bluebird but in the old school tattoo style – which I feel compliments the style of the tune incredibly well – a great start ahead of listening.
Onto the track now though. To begin with, it’s soft, a slow-burner which eases you into the track, then the guitar slowly pangs in just continously building that momentum.
Then bosh, vocals kick in and just bring it up to a different level, it has an eerie feel to it, giving a low-key psychadelic mood without being too in your face, it reminded me of the likes of the Cranberries “Zombie” but a bit rockier and almost their own twist on it. It really kicks up a notch again half-way through the track, bringing in that promised grunge that they said online, and they introduced elements in that I really didn’t expect, like television voice-over style dips in and out – it really works.
The vocals between Nicky Jones-Simmons and Phillip Veitch work really well together, they blend in a beautiful way and have a passionate feel to it – and also build this consistent rhythm that’s easy to follow. Towards the end it’s a bit of a rollercoaster with different elements, guitar pangs and more – but ultimately brings the track to a dramatic and fantastic close again – it’s the perfect length for this kind of track too.
It did take me a couple of listens to pick up the lyrics, but only because the rest of the track is so enchanting – almost distracting – not a criticism as such – just one you need to listen to multiple times – but that’s never a bad thing is it?
Overall a perfectly crafted track, with plenty going on without it being overwhelming and a great start to give a taste of Ship Cat’s upcoming album.
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