Album// Cat's Eyes, Cat's Eyes, 11.4.11.

Following their debut EP “Broken Glass” and live performance at The Vatican, Cat’s Eyes- the new side project from The Horrors’ front-man; Faris Badwan and Canadian opera singer Rachel Zeffira have gone on to release their debut, self titled, album.

Their sound is evidently heavily influenced by 60’s girl groups, with Zeffira’s voice perfectly accentuated by it’s contrast to Badwan’s baritone vocal style. Expressed through their stronger songs such as; “Face in the Crowd,” “Best Person I Know” and self titled opener purveying a recurring slinky guitar line. Also on tracks like “I’m Not Stupid” and the beautifully orchestrated “I Knew It Was Over” conveying a haunting, melodic melancholia, of which is virtually completely absent; within so much of today’s disposable pop music. Also divulging a softer, yet still dark, side of Badwan, different to that shown through The Horrors’ music.

Therefore, “Cat’s Eyes” is an overall brilliant album, not so much in a conventional contemporary sense, but in a sense of presenting the never ending talents of Faris Badwan and of shining a light unto Rachel Zeffira’s subtle, enchanting voice.

Jonathan Hatchman.

http://counteract-magazine.com/2011/04/19/album-cats-eyes-cats-eyes/