lambchops's Full Review: International Velvet by Catatonia
After being thoroughly disappointed with Catatonia and their icky 2000 release Equally Cursed and Blessed, I decided half heartedly to give the band a second chance. The fact that International Velvet cost me just $5 probably had something to do with the decision, but I thought what the hell…it couldn’t possibly be any worse. Right?
Well…yes. Wales-based Catatonia is marred/marked by lead vocalist Cerys Matthews. I do really want to enjoy her voice, but it manages to be much too nasally and forced for my liking. Also lending their talent are Mark Roberts (guitar), Owen Powell (guitar), Paul Jones (bass), and Alec Richards (drums). Despite Matthews acting in the lead role, it really is Roberts who is the momentum behind Catatonia. He has his hand in the songwriting for most of the tracks.
I suppose the thing that turns be off with Catatonia is that the songs are unabashedly pop. They might be at times categorized as Indie pop, but Matthews’ repulsive voice paired with trite not to mention cliché hooks really sink each song. The band would be much, much more impressive if there was a vocalist with some more talent like Skye Edwards from Morcheeba. Instead, even the most popular tracks don’t sound in the least bit appealing.
International Velvet was the second major label release for Catatonia and the first to be released in America. Of course, Americans really had little use for the band. The British on the other hand catapulted the album to the top of the charts and embraced songs like Mulder and Scully (yes, that Mulder and Scully) and I Am The Mob. In all, the songs aren’t that bad…but every time Matthews opens her yap she sends chills down my spine. Her voice is difficult and grating and benefits the lyrics and melody in no way whatsoever.
Mulder and Scully has a decent hook and is a decent track. It seems that Catatonia is relying too heavily on Matthews’ limited talents to drive the song the way of rock and roll. In doing so, the song fails miserably. This is Britpop/pop of the worst kind. Hell, I’d say that 75% of Britpop is better than this schlock.
With tinny production and various pop culture references I Am The Mob is lackluster and not in the least bit aurally appealing. Matthews spits out the lyrics like they are watermelon seeds and sounds like a less talented Bjork. I do appreciate the cliché references to sleeping with the fishes, horses heads in beds, and shooting out kneecaps. Aside from those minimally clever lyrics, this song has no particular draw.
If you consider that these two songs were the best received it would seem logical that the rest of the album is even worse. Well, in some cases the songs are complete wastes of time. In other cases, I do enjoy the melodies while I find myself still unable to listen to Matthews. Yes, she in my honest opinion is what is wrong with this album. I hate to be so harsh on Catatonia, but pop isn’t the correct genre for Matthews and Matthews isn’t the right vocalist for the band.
Road Rage has a nice melody and Matthews reigns her vocals in nicely. It’s probably the best track on this overall rather unattractive album. In fact, this particular track is the only one I recall hearing on American radio. After having the unfortunate experience of hearing this entire disc I understand why Road Rage was chosen by my favorite college radio station over other selections.
The title track, International Velvet really has no particular redeeming quality. I don’t enjoy the mid tempo thump and Matthews’ voice manages to somehow be even less charming than usual. Yes, that is possible. Skip it if you know what’s good for you. Fortunately for the disc as a whole, it wraps up on a somewhat decent note. My Selfish Gene is delicate and pensive with a nice piano and Matthews sounding more talented and understated than usual. It’s one of the few tracks I can stomach for more than thirty seconds.
I do not enjoy Catatonia or for that matter International Velvet. It’s unlikely that I’m going to give the band a third chance. They’ve worn out their welcome on my stereo. Unless Catatonia can throw together an album or song that is worth my while, this outing will be my last attempt to connect. I cannot recommend International Velvet unless you consider yourself an aural masochist. It is less appealing than Equally Cursed And Blessed and shouldn’t be purchased, even from the bargain bin.
Rating: 2/5 stars
Track Listing:
1. Mulder And Scully
2. Game On
3. I Am The Mob
4. Road Rage
5. Johnny Come Lately
6. Goldfish And Paracetamol
7. International Velvet
8. Why I Can't Stand One Night Stands
9. Part Of The Furniture
10. Don't Need The Sunshine
11. Strange Glue
12. My Selfish Gene
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Since I cannot possibly recommend anything from Catatonia, I will recommend albums from actual talented indie pop featuring female vocalists like Morcheeba, Stereolab, and Cardigans.
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