Album Review: Catbite “Nice One”
Album: Nice One
Band: Catbite
Label: Bad Time Records
Score: 8/10
Over the last few years, it has been difficult to tell if we have begun to go through another genuine wave of ska, if it is being pushed a little too artificially, or if it is just a little blip on the “music radar.” That’s not really up to me to decide single-handedly, but it is something up for discussion. Personally, I don’t necessarily see it as a bad thing regardless. Veterans like Goldfinger, Less Than Jake, and Reel Big Fish are still putting out records. Big D And The Kids Table have a new LP coming out later this year. The Interrupters have exploded in popularity and are opening for Green Day, Weezer, and Fall Out Boy at the time of writing this review. Last year The Suicide Machines made a triumphant return with their spectacular Fat Wreck Chords debut, Revolution Spring. Jeff Rosenstock’s new album is literally called Ska Dream. Culture Shock released a new record this year as well. Not to mention, there is plenty of newer blood out there like We Are Union and Bad Operation, both of which are steadily growing in popularity. For 2021 though, the stand out ska band is Philadelphia’s Catbite due to their impressive second album, Nice One.
Right from the start, with the track “Asinine Aesthetic” you get introduced to the feeling that Nice Once is going to be fun and up-beat kind of ska album. And for the most part that feeling would be correct especially when it comes to other absolute jams like “Call Your Bluff” and “Not Ur Baby.” “Call Your Bluff” is really where the band shines. The quick, crawling bass line, slightly distorted guitar, and organ-like keyboard make for a very uplifting and pop-oriented ska tune. Singer Brittany Luna brilliantly and masterfully leads the tune into totally infectious choruses. Towards the end of the “Call Your Bluff” you can hear her really belt out the very catchy melody that makes for one hell of an outro.
But Nice One doesn’t only contain a bunch of songs that will get you up and skankin’ in the mosh pit. Catbite does delve into a little bit of reggae as well with tracks like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Bad Influence.” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” has sort of a “lay down by the beach on a tropical island” vibe, but “Bad Influence” is a little bit more nuanced. It too has a very calm vibe especially from the clean guitar up strokes and intricate licks as well as the organ-esque keyboard fills. Luna’s vocals are much more relaxed and less aggressive, if not hypnotic, yet she sings lyrics like, “We’re good for nothing but each other/Let’s make bad choices ’til we die.”
Whether we are going through another ska revival or not, Nice One by Catbite is definitely one of the stand out albums of 2021. They took so many variations of the genre and recorded an album that is truly unique and clever. Every song has an incredibly catchy hook. And once again, Brittany Luna’s vocals are nothing short of stellar. Get ready, because I have a feeling that Catbite is one of the bands that will blow up in popularity in the not-so-distant future because of their wonderful work on this record.
Ricky Frankel is the author of the book I’m Outta Here!: A Collection Of Interviews & Anecdotes From The Punk Scene (2014-2018), which you can find on Storenvy.
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About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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