'The Balcony' by Catfish and the Bottlemen

As a previous band of the week of mine, I was expecting big things from these boys when releasing their debut album. Over the past year, Catfish and the Bottlemen have been putting out consistently good tunes which have been hitting charts left right and center and all they have done is continued that with what is quite honestly a staple indie album. 'The Balcony' is full of songs which get your head bobbing and your body swaying and it has only made me fall more in love with them more. Imagine The Neighbourhood mixed with a bit of The Kooks and a bit of The Courteeners. But then times that by ten, and put it in a different league. Because unlike a lot of bands in this genre, the North Waleian quartet have managed to produce an album which doesn't have a dull moment on it.

The albums sees not only firm favourites such as 'Kathleen' and 'Fallout' get blasted out and hairbrush sung to, but it sees old B-sides like 'Rango' get a revival and it also sees new songs such as opener 'Homesick' and the punchy '26' become adored just as much. Closer 'Tyrants' is another goregous song. "Nothing's alright, believe me" moans Van McCann. The album has been a chance for Catfish and the Bottlemen to showcase other strings in their bow too and 'Hourglass' is definitely an example of that. Sat in the middle of the album, this song is an illustration of the softer sounds the band can create and it's a beautiful glimpse into what else can be done with such an infectious sound. I certainly don't think this is all they boys are capable of. The songs exude promise and I think this is a band who can pioneer the start of a new era for guitar and indie bands.

'The Balcony' is available to buy now.
You can catch Catfish and the Bottlemen on tour in the UK throughout November.