Wild Cat Strike recently unveiled the first taste of their upcoming debut album (out this Autumn via Small Pond) with I Feel Good, a shot of laconic lyrical wit and melancholy delivered through an unshakeably catchy indie rock song with a country swing and the sing-along-ability of a beer-fuelled sea shanty. The accompanying video, which matches the ironical sentiment of the song with a full-blown Western style bar fight, was premiered via Clash magazine yesterday and builds on previous support from BBC Radio 1 Rock Show, Dork Mag, Punktastic and more. Ch
Astheir sound has developed over recent years, a new breed of Wild Cat Strike songs has emerged. While keeping elements of their intense, post-rock roots – with swells of distorted guitar, dynamic switches and raw and flowing melodies – they have homed in on an energetic and fresh songwriting style. The lyrics of frontman Danny Byrom bring candid ruminations on life, death and memory; his vocals and guitar are joined by the formidable combination of Max Boughen (guitar), Chris Whitehorn (bass) and Joe Caple (drums). Check out I Feel Good below!
We caught up with Danny and Chris as they talked about the band’s latest latest single and more!
How has the release of ‘I Feel Good’ gone so far?
Danny: Good, people seem to think it’s a fun song, which is nice, but it’s really more caustic than sweet. But I guess people can take what they want from it.
Can you tell us something that no one else knows about the single?
Danny: We asked our label friend Natalie Evans to sing on 3 tracks which was great, as her voice adds an extra layer of innocence and honesty. Also “the god damn gospel choir” provide gang vocals, consisting of members from other bands (Tall Ships, Delta Sleep, InTechnicolour)
Can you tell us anything about your upcoming debut album?
Danny: It was written, recorded, mixed and mastered with Small Pond, and will be co-released by Small Pond and Through Love; a great German label who have supported us for years.
Chris: We’re very proud of the fact that it is the first album to be entirely created at Small Pond. Written, recorded, mixed and mastered. I think it represents a big shift in the bands sound. We’ve added more varied instrumentation and gang vocals. In terms of length, the songs on the last EP were averaging around 8 minutes, the last couple of singles both clocked in at 5 and a half minutes, and the average album track is under 4 minutes. It means that we can change up the setlist at each gig depending on the vibe of the night and we’re not limited to playing 3 songs.
How have the people at Small Pond Records help you become the band you are today?
Danny: We had 3 songs with the plan to release an EP, but they suggested we record an album instead, so we did. Through Love are also helping with distribution in Germany, sharing our music more directly to the German market.
Chris: They helped us out a lot with giving us gigs and recording live session videos since the early days. In terms of the album, we had already recorded 3 of the songs, and were planning on putting them out as another EP. That was when Small Pond approached us about releasing our music.
They convinced us to wait and have those 3 as part of a bigger release, so there wouldn’t have been an album without them! Or certainly not this one anyway.
What’s it like being supported by the likes of BBC Radio One?
Danny: Nice. I think sometimes DJ’s find it hard to know where to place us, as we can be kinda sweet and poppy then quite aggressive – The bipolar song writing.
Chris: Amazing! I’ve listened to Radio 1 since I was a wee lad, so it’s pretty surreal to have our music on there
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Danny: Not necessarily a band, but we have always wanted to play with more people, add extra percussion, horns, singing, dance. I like the idea of being in a big gang.
Chris: Personally, I’ve been listening to a lot of Godspeed You! Black Emperor recently after seeing them live a couple of times. It’s such a massive sound when you have a bassist and a double bassist. A drummer with an additional percussionist. Violins doubling the guitar riffs. I’d love to do a big ensemble piece like that, it gives you so much room dynamically.
What was the first ever gig you went to?
Danny: Some small home town show probably
Chris: Blur playing all their singles in chronological order when I was 14. I got pissed off 2 ciders and threw myself around to Song 2. I’ve been chasing that high ever since.
Will you be touring at all this year?
Chris: Yes! The album will come out in October, and we’ll be touring around then. Just when it starts to get cold. If anyone would like to put us on, please get in touch!
Danny: We are also planning a tour with our German friends Lirr, next year. They are amazing and that will be great.