The Cat’s Miaow Returns With Debut Album After Three Decades
Melbourne indie pop pioneers reunite to release their first full-length studio record.
1Origins of the Band
Formed in Melbourne in 1992, The Cat’s Miaow was founded by songwriters Bart Cummings and Andrew Withycombe. They were later joined by singer Kerrie Bolton and drummer Cameron Smith. The group focused heavily on studio recording rather than live performances, producing numerous lo-fi cassettes and singles characterized by delicate, short pop songs.
2The Path to Obscurity
Throughout the 1990s, the band maintained a minimal, melancholy sound defined by chiming guitars and Bolton’s crystalline vocals. Following the departure of drummer Cameron Smith, the remaining members explored trip-hop and ambient textures under the name Hydroplane. The Cat’s Miaow project eventually dissolved, seemingly destined to remain a niche footnote in music history.
3Unexpected Musical Revival
In 2022, the label World of Echo released compilations of the band’s earlier work, which generated significant overdue attention. This renewed interest encouraged the original members to reunite in 2023. They decided to undertake a task they had never completed during their initial run: recording a proper, full-length studio album.
4Debut Album Released
Titled When You Smiled and Turned Away, the record marks the band's first full-length debut nearly 30 years after their last recordings. The album retains the group’s signature indie pop style while introducing cleaner digital production. This shift replaces their customary four-track recording method, providing the songs with a crisp, modern sonic sheen.
5Evolution of Vocal Delivery
Kerrie Bolton’s vocal performance has shifted noticeably over the intervening decades. While her earlier work was marked by an angelic, fragile quality, her delivery on the new album is more wry and knowing. Songs that once sounded bashful or pleading are now sung with a sense of earnestness and newfound maturity.
6Thematic Lyrical Shifts
Songwriters Cummings and Withycombe continue to focus on microscopic moments of intimacy and confusion. However, the new material reflects a broader perspective on life. Tracks like Journey’s End explore themes of finality and the passage of time, acknowledging that the intense feelings of youth are subject to change as one ages.
7Experimental Missteps and Tone
The album is not without minor flaws, such as the four-minute track Going to a Show, which utilizes sharp synthesizer squeals that feel out of place. Additionally, the band’s historical penchant for misanthropy surfaces on the closing track, Try and Pretend, leaving a bitter note that contrasts with the record’s otherwise pristine aesthetic.
8Legacy and Future Outlook
When You Smiled and Turned Away successfully balances the weight of nostalgia with hard-earned wisdom. By revisiting their youth, the band manages to bridge the gap between their lo-fi origins and their current artistic state. This release serves as a testament to the enduring nature of their songwriting and their creative evolution.
Original article: Pitchfork – Reviews — The Cat’s Miaow Returns With Debut Album After Three Decades