ALBUM REVIEW :: BIGFATCAT - "The Nice Thing About Being Alone"
bigfatcat - “The Nice Thing About Being Alone”
Self released out digitally Feb. 1st, 2020.
“It’s here! It’s here! Spring is finally here! Wait, that’s not spring, it’s bigfatcat’s latest release! This breath of fresh, warm air is the gentle reminder we all need right now: spring is on its way. Full of self reflection, and a touch of self loathing, “The Nice Thing About Being Alone” is the breakup album we all need to get over our lost love. Waves of thoughtful and provoking lyrics are dismal and somehow encouraging leave you feeling content and almost ready to move on, but not quite yet.
Airy, light, and tender, “Alone Time” is an appropriately-named introductory track of this album. It’s lyrics ring with the self-affirming “what’s mine is mine” such as “my body [and] my mind” -- something we should all be celebrating. “Briefcase Day” is the song that throws you into a bubble bath, wine drunk, thinking about the one you gave up to move on with your life. It’s heartbreaking lines like “you could still be my briefcase man” put your feelings of self-doubt and slight regret into organized and coherent thoughts.
My personal favorite song on the album, “Goodwill Hunting'', is catchy, fresh, and an almost surf-rock classic about leaving a toxic relationship. Despite its content, this banger is somehow uplifting and inspiring. bigfatcat’s on-brand harmonizing and an ethereal beat, not inappropriate for dancing, give “Dead Horse” a chill, reflective vibe that's hard to ignore. It’s everything we look forward to from this group, soft, dreamy, and full of magical lyricism.
“I'm sick and tired of myself.” What a way to start a song. One of the heavier pieces of this album, “Capsule”, is the self-loathing smash of “The Nice Thing About Being Alone”. Its quick turnaround from “Dead Horse” keeps things crisp, consistent, and cool.
“Green”, the breakup song to end all breakup songs, is gut-wrenching and beautifully depressing. Referring to heartbreaking memories as “time capsules liv[ing] below the earth, dig ‘em up again and hope it doesn't hurt”, its words cut deep into the heart where we tuck away such things. Next thing you know, a wonderful, yet unexpected beat mated with angelic harmonizing. Wait - is that an organ I’m hearing? “Redline” is a gentle, yet ghosty, echo of your favorite song from your favorite 80’s movie.
“The Nice Thing About Being Alone” is yet another impressive Bigfatcat creation stuffed with skillful lyricism and bopping sounds leaving me feelings of resolution and contentment in a way I haven't in a while. Introspective, enticing, and a little bit of something for everyone, this album is a great way to begin yet another great year of new local tunes. “
Review by ::
Wayne Moots
Manor Teammate & Blog Contributor
Manor Records gives 100% of article author rights to Wayne Moots
bigfatcat - “The Nice Thing About Being Alone” album art