By: Staff
We had the privilege of experiencing the latest release, "Why Them," an emotionally charged masterpiece by the immensely talented Catlea, an artist we’ve admired for quite some time.
True to Catlea’s artistic ingenuity, "Why Them" begins with a strikingly raw and gritty guitar riff, masterfully played by Oscar Garcia-Bragado, that immediately captivated us. It exudes both rhythm and attitude, setting an evocative tone from the outset. The deep, resonant quality of the down-tuned guitar stands alone in the opening bars, yet it has been engineered masterfully to feel both full and commanding. Then, as soon as Catlea's vocals emerge, the atmosphere transforms. Her voice is hauntingly somber yet compellingly bold, drawing us in with its magnetic presence.
“I don’t make good choices / I avoid them like the plague / Telling myself everything’s OK / But I can’t feel my legs”
We were enthralled by this lyrical passage. In just a few lines, so much emotional weight is laid bare for the listener to digest. It’s raw, it’s introspective, and it sets the stage for the unfolding narrative.
The rhythmic structure of the track is another standout element. The beats land with impact, oscillating between a steady pulse and unpredictable shifts, mirroring the turmoil and indecision of the song’s protagonist. Jason Boshoff’s skillful programming and synth work further elevate this dynamic, adding an eerie and atmospheric depth. This seamless cohesion between lyrical content and musical arrangement enhances the storytelling, making the emotional struggle feel even more visceral. The dynamic interplay between abrupt pauses and deliberate lyrical emphasis is executed brilliantly, these sudden breaks and surges in energy will undoubtedly translate into an electrifying live performance.
When the bass, played once again by Oscar Garcia-Bragado, and full instrumentation come crashing in together, it’s nothing short of a tidal wave of sound. This moment signals a shift in Catlea’s emotional intensity, what started as a brooding contemplation morphs into something more urgent and almost volatile. The shift is palpable; her vocal inflections transition from understated musings to impassioned outbursts, delivering an electrifying performance filled with grit and swagger. The sheer force behind her delivery is the spark that fuels our admiration for her artistry.
A particular highlight is the interlude, a masterful moment where the vocals and message are intentionally buried within the mix, creating an almost suffocating effect. When Catlea sings,
"Do you feel the oxygen leaving your lungs?"
it’s as though the very air is being drained from the room. The production perfectly mirrors this lyrical sentiment, enveloping the listener in a moment of breathless tension. It’s these intricate, subconscious sonic choices that make Catlea’s artistry so compelling, she creates auditory and emotional sensations instinctively, crafting an immersive experience that resonates deeply.
As the song progresses, the tension escalates. The beats intensify, the vocals grow more impassioned, and the instrumental arrangement swells to a breaking point. It’s a cathartic release, an explosion of energy that sends adrenaline surging through the listener. Catlea’s soaring belts juxtaposed with hushed, almost whispered lines over a thunderous bassline create a mesmerizing contrast, making every second of "Why Them" an unforgettable experience.
The song’s conclusion leaves us yearning for more, a testament to its undeniable impact. We are absolutely in love with "Why Them."
A final and well-deserved mention goes to the production team, who delivered an impeccable sonic experience. Every element, every breath, every instrumental nuance was captured with pristine clarity. Jason Boshoff’s exceptional work in mixing and mastering brought out the song’s fullest potential, while Drew Marcum (aka Dreweybear) ensured that every vocal moment was meticulously engineered to showcase Catlea’s dynamic range. The engineering team demonstrated a remarkable ability to accentuate each individual moment, allowing the track’s dynamic peaks and subtle intricacies to shine. The balance of tension, release, and expertly timed pauses results in a listening experience that feels both exhilarating and profoundly resonant.
The stunning cover art for "Why Them," created by Catlea herself, further encapsulates the song’s depth and vision. Additionally, the animation crafted by Infinity Focus Media provides a visually striking experience that enhances the song’s intensity, making this a true multi-sensory masterpiece.
Catlea and her team have undoubtedly created something special with "Why Them," and we can’t wait to hear what she delivers next.
Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, Catlea is a genre-blending powerhouse who effortlessly fuses elements of pop, indie, rock, and R&B to craft a signature sound that is both evocative and boundary-pushing. With "Why Them" marking the fifth release from her concept album "Language Barrier," she continues to prove herself as an artist unafraid to explore the complexities of identity, love, and self-discovery. This latest track serves as an impassioned anthem of resilience and self-reliance, as Catlea boldly questions the tendency to seek validation from others when the true journey lies in finding oneself first. Her music is deeply introspective, yet universally relatable, resonating with listeners through its raw honesty and compelling sonic landscapes. With each release, Catlea cements herself as a visionary storyteller and a formidable presence in the music scene.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share "Why Them" by Catlea.
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Why Them? Lyrics
i don’t make good choices
i avoid them like the plague
telling myself everything’s okay
but i can’t feel my legs
and i think it’s kinda funny
you’d think i’d’ve learned by now
but i’m barely starting out
and i still can’t find myself
don’t play well with others
get too close, i start to bite
causing way too many problems
in the middle of the night
and i think it’s really funny
you'd think they’d’ve learned by now
but they never stop persisting
trying to figure me out
when you ask, “why them, not me?”
i ask myself that question every day honestly
it’s getting kinda tricky to convince myself
that i’m not better off with someone else
who doesn’t leave my heart up on a shelf
i’ve been spending way too
much of my time on the phone
turns out everybody’s lonely
no one likes to be alone
and i think it’s kinda funny
or maybe just really weird
that i know how big it is
for every single guy in here
when you ask, “why them, not me?”
i ask myself that question every day honestly
it’s getting kinda tricky to convince myself
that i’m not better off with someone else
who doesn’t leave my heart up on a shelf
do you see the fog
rolling in?
or do you just feel it on your skin?
can you see the pain
in my heart?
or are you too busy tryna fall apart?
oh
do you taste the blood
on your tongue?
do you feel the oxygen
leaving your lungs?
do you feel the pain
in my heart?
or are you too busy tryna fall apart?
when you ask, “why them, not me?”
i ask myself that question every day honestly
it’s getting kinda tricky to convince myself
that i’m not better off with someone else
who doesn’t leave my heart up on a shelf
why them, not me? mm
why them, not me? mm
why them, not me?
oh - why them indeed