Opening with delicate finger-picking on what sounds like nylon strings and electronic ambient sounds, “Cats” – the new single from Swiss quintet Mono Mochi – feels folky and foreboding.
Evolving from their prior indie rock sound, this new tune takes a more stripped-back approach, and the song is allowed to shine because of it. The atmosphere created is wobbly and warm, shimmering and slightly mystical-feeling.
Lyrically, the opening lines of “The world is a cat biting its tail / It’s angry and in pain” set the tone. We’re reminded of our friend Flo Lines and her ability to paint extremely vivid pictures with a very minimal palette. The chorus of “Carry on, carry on my dears / What else could you do, but carry on?” is set against an almost Mac DeMarco meets Pink Floyd-feeling backdrop.
As the song continues it feels like it goes in circles, a bit like a cat chasing its tail: A hypnotic sequence or exercise that lulls you gently to sleep. Eventually it breaks from its own pattern into an arpeggiated outro that comes as a bit of a surprise, but ultimately it fits nicely, an unexpected off-kilter treat.
“Cats” is quietly beautiful and subtly mesmeric and, if it’s anything to go by, the direction the band are currently heading in is very exciting indeed. Take a listen to “Cats” below.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
