Glasgow band Catholic Action have been generating a bit of a buzz since they formed in 2014. In three short years they have gathered support from their blistering live shows and their irresistible knack for an indie pop tune. The band have just released their debut album In Memory Of on Modern Sky Records and are looking to continue the momentum they have picked up from their cassettes releases on Fuzzkill Records and their more recent single such as L.U.V and Breakfast.
The opening track is the aforementioned single L.U.V and is an upbeat jaunty number that kick starts In Memory Of with style and attitude. The unabashed swagger continues with second track Propaganda. This is a full throttle pop rock song with an infectious riff and singalong chorus. The catchy riffs and choruses continue with third track Say Nothing, while the pace of the record is finally taken down a notch with mid-album ballad The Shallows. This is a thoughtful song with a glorious chorus that features the refrain “I wanna give myself to you” and feels like a slowed down version The Ramones.
The sound of In Memory Of has its roots with Scottish indie bands such as Orange Juice and Franz Ferdinand, but Catholic Action look to subvert these influences with upbeat lyrics and an expressive youthful energy. Final track Stars and Stripes ends the In Memory Of with the distinctive swagger that was presented early in the record and gives a satisfying conclusion to a confident and bold record.
In Memory Of is only ten tracks long and comes in at just over 35 minutes. The songs are short, sharp and to the point. Each track doesn’t over stay its welcome and presents an engaging band that knows how to write a memorable indie pop song. In Memory Of is a fantastic debut record and should definitely be in the running for the SAY Awards (Scottish Album of The Year) when the longlist is announced in 2018.
In Memory Of was released on 20 October 2017 on Modern Sky Records and is available on CD, LP and digital download.