Music Review: Street Cat
Street Cat is the debut EP from Meg Kirsch. Discovered through association with similar artists, Kirsch’s short but powerful five-track EP has an instant hooking effect. Starting with the rhythmic and pulsing “Sunday,” Kirsch presents a unique stripped down sound that is both atmospheric and driven. The entire EP follows this general structure, personal and cutting lyrics supported by well paced instrumentation.
The bass driven “Hometown” brings to mind the atmospheric sounds of Maria Taylor (specifically her album 11:11). Even at the track’s (and album’s) loudest, Kirsch’s vocals rarely rise above what seems a wistful whisper. “Buzzin”—perhaps the best track on the EP—provides the perfect introduction and example to the general tone of Kirsch’s EP. Its moody fade in and out accompanied by deep self-reflective lyrics exemplifies everything right with the writing and production quality of the EP.
“Run” returns to the atmospheric bass driven mood and teases what could be if a loud rock track was intended. Instead, the entire track feels chained to a careful brooding. And in the case of the track and its placement on the EP it feels like the only option to follow after “Buzzin.”
The EP ends with the crooned “Street Cat.” The melodious creativity and full hook ability of Kirsch’s writing is on display throughout the track. As with most of the EP, the track seems ready to explode into a full range expressionism of instrumentation and vocals only to tease, pull back, and fade out in the conclusion of the EP.
In conclusion, Street Cat is a fantastic debut EP and promises only good things for Meg Kirsch’s musical future. It’s the slow burn album that you can instantly restart upon completion.
