Black Cat Theory
Magnetic Fields
April 2010 – May 2011
Black Cat
Theory – Dunfermline, Fife
Links:
Genre: Melodic
Rock/Electronica/Experimental
Black Cat Theory came into being due to a black
cat jumping on a window ledge in front of Stuart whilst he was touring with the
John Parish Band and at that time Stu had decided to start a solo project and
as he began work on the first couple of songs this black cat appeared – this
was back in 2006. (Superstition says black cats are lucky, and indeed for
Stuart this black cat was! And indeed for the fans of BCT – very lucky indeed!
In 2010 Black Cat Theory expanded and Steve
Martin was drafted in and took over the vocals, leaving Stu to take on the
musical roles as well as backing vocals/harmonies. I have it on good authority
that BCT tend to add another member to the mix later on in the year and take
BCT on the road – Awesome thought to see this band live! Bring it on!
In August 2011 Black Cat Theory released “Magnetic Fields” it is absolutely
phenomenal!!! I thought that a while
back when I clicked on the link – being a cat lover and loving rock music this
band just appealed straight away to me.
Although people who know me will know that my reviews are always in
depth ones and this will be no exception. Stu uses the mixing desk as an instrument which is a clever concept and can be witnessed on the album.
The cover has
become so familiar with its scene of a corn field and sitting in the middle of
it is a TV with the Black Cat Theory
logo above it - It is like an old friend after seeing it advertised on Facebook
some time back. Clicking on that link
just brought me in touch with yet another awesome sounding band. The power of
facebook when used in this manner is great!
Come on Inside
The first track I heard was “Come
on Inside” it caught my attention straight away, and is extremely
catchy. I always found myself hitting
the repeat! Addictive lyrics with a haunting keyboard sound and superb guitar
riffs that go on amazing as you get further into the track. The harmonies are
incredible – I could just sit and listen to this track all day and never get
sick of it. This was the first ever track I heard from BCT and believe me it
got played to death then – so now having my own copy of Magnetic Fields I can play it anywhere. Best use of lyrics that
give a first- hand account of visiting a fun fair and what it holds. You try
not air drumming to this... it is an impossibility.
This Human Chain
Another
favourite track and I do believe the Mandolin is being played on this track and
so beautiful it sounds as well. The drumming is chunky and powerful. The chorus
is just so moreish and turns the track on its head, with a hypnotic beat that
really drives the track and the guitar is knock out as the riffs come flooding
from the speakers. It has that vibe all its own and just spells out quality in
its purest form. The simple chords and beats just capture that unique BCT
sound. The bands first-hand account of people’s faith make or break style – the
lyrics are like a delicate daisy chain interwoven with molten steel and
powerful riffs binding it all together into a superb catchy rhythmic pulsating
blend of sound.
Windows of Memory
As soon as this
track started I realised that I had already memorised the lyrics from all the
previous listening. I love the vocals on this track so gritty and
unforgettable. The music is so beautifully played and professional in
production as is the whole album, but this track has energy, vibrancy, and
delivers a melodic cacophony of diversity. I can see all these tracks becoming
my favourites... it is really hard to choose. The guitar breakdown just blows
you away on a cloud of intensity, and then the vocals come in again amidst a
flutter of keys – This is an epic track compellingly beautiful, right up to the
last note.
Mircalla
Mircalla is
along the lines of old rock and blues – it transports you back to another time.
The piano carries a beautiful melodic tone whilst the vocals sounding gritty
and raw but not strained and really suit the track so well. A very commercial
track and wouldn’t be out of place on mainstream radio but it doesn’t matter –
I am hooked as well as hypnotised by the beautiful sound of Black Cat Theory. “I will not see the
shadow” “I will not feel the rain.” – “But I will have to press repeat again!”
I am the Hurricane
Starts off with
a woman talking about ancient magic and a guy saying it sounds far-fetched.
Some experimental noises make me keep checking to see who is at the door. This
track isn’t as melodic as the previous ones, but it still holds its own. Well
balanced, beautiful guitar, superb beats and great vocals and definitely a more
experimental blend of metal.
Dereliction
Slow and
sinister with intriguing haunting keys and rounded guitars carry this
track. The vocals sounding manic as a
guitar wails – the beats are slow paced but it carries the secret ingredient to
keep the listener hooked with its melodic charm – like a good book hard to put
down.
Poets and Madmen
There is a
really full sound to this track, although I haven’t really heard the track as
much as the others so I am not as familiar with it but by the time I get to the
end of it no doubt I will be listening again! There is again a dream like
quality about this track. The keyboards sound immense through the fantastic
guitar that just sings of quality chords. The vocals are just amazing – this
track is growing on me the more I hear it.
Sons of Destiny
Hypnotic drum
beat with some great melodic vocals. The rhythm drives with the harmonies –
it’s just a superb track! The guitar tone is incredible and wails in all the
right places with a dark foreboding voice in the background. So much going on
in this track that I may have to hit the repeat button to make sure I haven’t
missed anything :D Well that’s my excuse
and I am sticking to it! The sons of destiny is right because I don’t think it
will be long before BCT join forces and become a signed act – that is, or is
about to become their destiny be sure of that!
Lakeview Hotel
Melodic dream
like quality to this track too! as it nonchalantly offers up some truly great
guitar and keyboards. Compelling the listener to just sit back, relax and chill
out! It reminds me of Gary Moore in his day – truly amazing track indeed it is
somewhat laid back in approach. This track is just beautifully played and
executed to the point of perfection. Soulful and joyful combined into one
awesome melodic track. When I close my eyes and listen to this track alone it
conjures up some beautiful country scenes in brilliant sunshine with rolling
hills – you get the picture!
Blind One Way – (Additional track not listed on CD)
A sneaky little
instrumental with prominent beat and cheeky little tambourine. Startling
keyboards that bubble and erupt in the most unusual way. The guys have taken a
very different approach with this experimental track. Bass line is chunky
whilst the keyboards just mesmerise with their quirky little flurries of noise
and the drum beat constant and strong... what a great way to finish an album.
To sum up –
Steve and Stuart have got a winning combination that will appeal to die hard
rock/metal heads. Its experimental edge is hard hitting and most of the tracks
contained on this CD people will be able to relate to with ease. The lyrics are
interesting and catchy. The music is
compelling with depth and a beauty that can only be experienced when listening
to feel the full force of Black Cat
Theory and what they are all about.
Although quite
mainstream in approach it still holds true and does possess a top quality and
professional feel to it. There are lots
of twists and turns in BCT’s music from haunting melodic keyboards to
experimental noises so it holds the interest. Steve’s vocals are dexterous in
the fact he can sing a ballad like Mircalla with ease as well as a track like “Come
inside” a more rock based track that shows he is not a one trick pony. Their
lyrics just flow like a mountain stream and more importantly mean something
people can relate to as well as the music being strong and catchy, with tons of
creativity in the mix.
It is worth
noting though that Stu was brought up on blues mainly Clapton and Hendrix
whilst Steve was weaned on the screamers like Carcass, Morbid Angel and
Entombed – yet Black Cat Theory
works because Stu and Steve are able to put their experiences together and
create a lasting impact on the listener. Hard hitting in places, excellent
harmonies and beautiful haunting melodies with sophisticated riffs – it is a
sure fire winner with me!
Black Cat Theory – let me put it this way, they
are a band that will cheer you up as soon as you hit the “play” button. They will get inside your head with those
catchy little hooks and once experienced never forgotten!
There is so
much contained within this little silver disc – I can’t wait for the next BCT
album – this is an astounding piece of history.
Check them out on the above links, and be astounded too!
Track List
Come on Inside
This Human Chain
Windows of Memory
Mircalla
I am the Hurricane
Sons of Destiny
Poets and Madmen
Dereliction
Lakeview Hotel
Members
Steve Martin – Vocals
Stuart CM Bell - Guitars,
Mandolins, Keyboards, Sampling, Custom Percussion and Vocals
