"CatPeople work vocal melodies like nobody else in Spain. Their music navegates the turbulent waters of post-punk, where the crude energy and aggressiveness of punk unite with the poetic sensibility of new wave’s darker ambience, creating soundscapes of extreme beauty. CatPeople will, without the slightest doubt, be one of the greats."
Janina Canet, director of Go Mag, 2006.
“CatPeople... robust and smooth they know how to maximise singer Adrián Pérez’s already convincing vocals – one of those singers who knows how to use dynamics with style.” Dimas Rodríguez, Rockdelux, January 2006
“CatPeople take up the legacy of Joy Division, The Chameleons or even Interpol with a grace and conviction that suggest great things to come when they release their debut album.” Joan S. Luna, MondoSonoro, November 2005
After having generated a great deal of expectation with their first demo CatPeople!, which was voted the second best of 2005 by Mondosonoro (the Spanish NME), CatPeople went into the studio to record their debut LP in January 2006 with the support and financial help of PuPilo Records. Released in May it was highly acclaimed by all and sundry, landing the coveted number one spot in Mondosonoro’s National Top Ten and going on to be voted 2nd best LP of the year by Go Mag.
Since then CatPeople have undergone a meteoric rise to success which has lead them to tour extensively throughout Spain and Europe (Portugal, France, Germany, the Czech Republic) and to be considered the new, Spanish, indie revelation, their status confirmed in 2007 by their presence at FIB Benicassim, Europavox, Festival do Norte, Contempopranea, Sonorama y Popkomm.
Both specialised and generic media have eulogised CatPeople, favourably impressed by the unprecedented quality of their debut album, "Reel # 1", both in terms of songwriting and production. Categorised within the new wave of Post Punk, CatPeople have come to be seen as the leading exponents of the genre on the Spanish peninsula. Touring to support the LP saw CatPeople play 24 dates around Spain and Portugal in only 3 months, gaining a legion of devoted fans in the process and being confirmed by Go Mag as one of the finest live shows of 2006. Among the highlights was their stunning performance at the Auditorio Natural de Castrelos supporting Pet Shop Boys in front of 20,000 people. Their first performance on a huge stage CatPeople looked every inch like they were in their natural habitat, astounding even those of us who have worked so closely with them.
Fiercely independent yet proudly professional, PuPilo Records and CatPeople have earnt themselves an enviable position in the Spanish independent music industry in just one short year with a debut LP that has surprised critics and public alike and served as a trampoline to forge ahead with new projects. Watch this space.
Bio
CatPeople got together in Vigo (Galicia, Spain) after a fortuitous encounter between Adrián Pérez (vocals) and Fito Rodriguez (bass) at the Santi-Rock 2002 Festival. Striking up an immediate connection they began to write their first songs together.
Initially playing songs closer to post-rock they recruited Paco Iglesias on drums and adopted the name Isósceles. As both their sound and concept evolved they abandoned their previous style to focus on what has since come to be known as "revival" (here in Spain). Now calling themselves Magic Noise, the next member to join was Javier Abalo on lead guitar, giving the songs greater solidity live and contributing some really inspirational arrangements in the studio.
2005 saw a move to Barcelona and the final name change, recording the promotional CD-R, CatPeople!, leading to them being signed by independent Spanish label PuPilo Records and the management and booking agency College Artists. In May 2006 they released their debut LP "Reel #1" (PuPilo Records/Popstock!). Impacting heavily on the Spanish independent scene it has received accolades galore for the quality of both songs and production. This was followed by a 20 date tour of Spain and Portugal and a support slot with Pet Shop Boys in front of 20,000 people in their home town of Vigo.
While Adrián and Fito remain largely responsible for songwriting, the latter has chosen not to form a part of the live line-up, focusing instead on musical composition and studio work. As such Iván Fernández has been recruited on bass, bringing a robust elegance to the live shows. Last but by no means least, Raúl Muñoz, joined as “guest member” in mid 2006 playing both keyboards and guitars with an enviable ability, allowing Adrián to concentrate on a better vocal interpretation.
Not only are CatPeople great musicians, they also know their way around a camara. Lead singer Adrían Peréz co-directed Radio, the band’s first video clip, along with his long term life partner, Tania Verduzco. Lead guitar player Javier Abalo was responsible for the photography.
In Febrero 2007 CatPeople played their first shows outside of Spain, playing two concerts with Czech band The Prostitutes in Brno and Prague. Hugely successful, the band look forward to returning to the Czech Republic in the near future to support the release of "Reel #1" over there.
Based in Barcelona, Spain, CatPeople continue to rehearse, write and record new material as well as featuring prominently on the festival circuit this summer after moving to their new management & booking agent, December Producciones.
"Reel #1" is released by PuPilo Records, distributed in Spain, Portugal and Andorra by Popstock!, in the Czech Republic and Slovakia via Championship Records and in the rest of the world by OUR distribution. Available from your local CD store throughout the above territories, by by email from: info[at]pupilorecords[dot]com, via the ubiquitous CD Baby and for digital download from iTunes et al.
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