Reviewed by Taf Rock for MPM
Images courtesy of Tony Cole Photography and DubbelXposurePhotography
Catfish are centred around the father/son combo of Paul Long (keyboards/vocals) and blues supremo Matt Long (guitar/vocals). The duo are joined on drums by new recruit Phil Wilson and on bass by Adam Pyke.
The blues rock powerhouse are celebrating a decade in existence and have just released a new five track mini-album entitled London to help mark this occasion.
As ‘rain washes the streets … the dawn rises slowly’ to introduce London, the title track, which showcases the gentler, less rocky, keyboard rich sound of Catfish and features Paul Long on vocals ‘alone in the city’. Paul’s hushed almost spoken vocal tells the story of how the bright lights of the capital seem to lose their attraction when an accompanying partner is lost.
Staying is harder than leaving … forgive me if I walk away.’ Superb backing vocals from Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick of Brave Rival fame can’t prevent a feeling of loneliness, sorrow and regret in this atmospheric opening track. Like a welcome friend Matt’s guitar lifts the spirits with a blues filled solo as we reflect on days gone by.
The backing vocals take on a choral effect joining in unison with the guitar and keys to bring the track to a dramatic climax in almost celebratory fashion.
The harder rockier Catfish comes to play with a delightful cover of the Tom Waits classic Chocolate Jesus. Tom Waits songs demand a certain type of vocal – gravelly and full of powerful energy. Catfish have the ideal weapon in their arsenal as Matt Long steps up to the microphone and tells Waits dark and sarcastic story in his ‘own special way’. In complete contrast to the previous song this is raucous rock blues at its best.
Catfish deliver the goods and satisfy the soul generating enough heat to melt our edible prophet into a sugary molten pool in mere seconds. Paul’s keyboards join Matt’s guitar and the rhythm section as the song reaches it’s climactic crescendo.
First recorded way back in 1960 by Otis Rush the Marshall Paul classic So Many Roads has since been covered by many luminaries of the blues world including John Hammond and John Mayall/Peter Green. The title track of Catfish debut album released in 2015, Paul Jones played the initial recording on his Radio 2 Blues show – setting the ball rolling on the recognition of the band as a force to be reckoned with. This exhilarating newly recorded version commemorates the 10th anniversary of the songs performance at Catfish debut gig.
Matt’s guitar is stunning and breathtaking here whilst we hang on every word of his powerful vocal. Paul’s keys, Kev Hickman’s drums and Adam Pyke’s bass form a beautiful union with the soul of Matt’s vocals, perfectly setting the mood for his blistering solo which leaves the listener awestruck. I found myself applauding as if I were at a gig following the nine minutes of this beautiful and emotional example of British Blues at its finest.
In complete contrast Paul is alone at the piano providing a touch of nostalgia in an intimate solo song as he dreams of ‘faraway childhood memories… some false … some true’ wishing he could return to those Days Long Gone whilst at the same time realising the years have moved on. ‘The black and white film of yesterday’ is nothing but a distant dream. It’s impossible to be that person once again.
Delicate and light – seemingly not of this world. A description that could be applied to Matt Long’s skilful guitar work at times. It’s also the definition of Ethereal – a fitting title for our final track. A stunning ten minute instrumental which showcases Matt and Catfish at their best.
When music is this good who needs words as Matt, Paul, Kevin and Adam traverse the musical landscape. Like night and day we take a supernatural journey through darkness and light and back again. A showcase for Matt Long’s creativity, astoundingly he wrote this track whilst still at school. It’s taken over a decade to find a place here on this celebratory release. Ethereal is sublime.
The perfect ending to an album that demonstrates the versatility and creative genius of Catfish.
I would like to finish this review by sending my best wishes to Matt in his ongoing fight against cancer whilst thanking everyone who has generously given up both time and funds to contribute to Matt’s fighting fund. Donations to the crowdfunder can be made here https://www.gofundme.com/f/matt-long-cancer-treatment-fundraiser?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch
Find out more about the band on the following links.
Website : https://www.catfishband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecatfishbluesband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catfish_uk?igsh=MTF5dGsxbmxkczFuaQ==
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@catfishmusic?si=vmOQZn8BJyecIQ8o
