Catylyst @ Rocket
By Charlotte HirdOut of all three bands playing at the Futuresound gig tonight it's obvious as the crowd disperses onto the dance floor which band most people have come to see. Catylyst board the stage and greet us in a Kiss fashion flashing metal signs and frontman Chris declaring, "We are Catylyst and we've come to rock you!" They burst into the fantastic opener 'Tumblechuff' an infectious rock number with a ball-grabbing chorus. This is the start of an explosive set.
Usually when encountering a band I am unfamiliar with I tend to get bored with them after the third song or so. But that is where Catylyst differ. They captivate your attention right from the start forcing you to become intoxicated on them all the way through the set. Catylyst are a unique band blending together rock n' roll with metal producing tuneful melodies but retaining a raw edge. They play an array of songs that are a combination of contemporary styles from rock to pop; metal to techno containing fast beats and weighty riffs, including 'Sell out'. The band's music is embodied with dimension and they posses an excellent song writing style with the ability to create addictive tunes. They put every effort into the show and you can see the passion and energy shinning through. Chris displays excellent frontman qualities not only with strong vocals (and perfect harmonising from Dave) but he manages to successfully charm the crowd and the band has them eating out of their hands. He makes an apologetic dedication to his Mum for forgetting her birthday present with the totally amazing classic rock tune 'Today'. This is Catylyst's most striking track that could easily be a hit and will probably be the song that gets them noticed.
"If you don't dance to this then you must be dead", Chris retorts as he introduces 'Lemonade Hand Grenade', a bouncy number with a memorable chorus that will definitely get you moving. There is a clear Wildhearts influence and the extended finish to this song conjures up echoes of 'Love U 'Til I Don't'. They round off a brilliant set with a punky techno metal cover of Dead or Alive's hit 'You Spin Me Round'.
Catylyst have everything you could possibly want: rock songs with poppy melodies and instant hooks mixed heavy riffs. They are so infectious that their songs are still buzzing around your head for days after. They are one of the best local bands around, if not THE best. They should be fucking huge! With their new EP, 21st Century Nursery Rhymes, out this month if you haven't checked them out already don't you think it is time you should? But mind your fingers coz they're hot!
