Corduroy Cat is one of those rare bands with a simultaneously tender and funky sound. 10% Hopeful makes that abundantly clear right out of the gates. “Vivian” is a beautiful opener to this silky-smooth record. Clean electric guitar bursts into view with a deliciously funky but incredibly delicate riff. The emotive vocals really sell the overall track and give the melody a tremendous sense of depth and character.
I’m reminded of old rock singers, such as Brandon Boyd from Incubus. There’s something to the tone of the lead vocalist for Corduroy Cat. It’s much more than 10% hopeful; let’s put it that way. There’s so much raw energy and jubilance to his singing. I’m not sure whether Dan Doherty or Marv Doolin takes the helm as the lead singer, but the backing vocals are sublime, too; both vocalists are impressive. “When The Lilacs Bloom Again” is a display of Corduroy Cat’s more tender sensibilities, opting for gentler instrumentals and singing. It really allows the vocals to flourish. It’s a beautiful little interlude before the much more distortion-laden “Deception Pass.” This amps up the energy, offering electrifying guitar riffs, chaotic drums and more highly-emotive singing. Doherty and Doolin harmonize spectacularly on the choruses. Their utterly unique timbres mesh so well together. It’s so satisfying to hear two entirely distinct vocal styles gel so effortlessly. It gives the song an extra layer of depth and melodic marvelousness. The fourth track, “Opioids(make me blue)” came entirely out of left field, entirely switching up the sonic styling of the band. It’s a piano-driven lounge-esque rock anthem with a sharp, dissonant edge. The drumming has a powerful, booming energy to it, and it somehow works with this tender, emotional ballad; it doesn’t overpower the mix. I’m a big fan of the haunting melody in the choruses on this track, and I also love the fuzzy guitar solo towards the end of the song. There are some fantastic piano flourishes, too. And, of course, the vocals are on point, yet again. In much the same way, “ 'Oumuamua (feat. Bruce Lamont)” is another pleasant surprise, delivering highly evocative saxophone riffs throughout the track, along with sorrowful crooning and harrowing guitar arpeggios. This EP has so many wonderful moments like the ones listed above. I could be here for hours discussing them, but I think the best way to grasp what I’m talking about is to listen to the release for yourself.
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