‘Parallel World’ tells the story of a passionate and turbulent relationship that took place when Cat Nova was in her early twenties.
Before taking a hiatus from music to complete a doctorate, write a book and establish herself as a clinical psychologist, Cat spent a decade as a much-adored frontwoman of Oxford-based indie rock bands The Courtesy Kill & At Risk (the latter’s catalogue recently re-issued for streaming by indie label Quickfix Recordings), supporting the likes of Kasabian, King Adora and other 2000s luminaries at the now legendary Zodiac in Oxford.
‘Parallel World’ sees Cat Nova conjure up a stirring piano arrangement that flows alongside the vibrant vocals of the indie artist, the choice of beats however doesn’t quite hit the mark for what has the potential to be a catchy and memorable track.
The release marks a new chapter for the singer-songwriter, who has traded (at least for now) her primary writing instrument/accompaniment from the guitar to a piano, with sparse instrumentation that allows the melodies to take centre stage.
Drawing inspiration from artists including The Cure, AFI, Cigarettes After Sex and Garbage, her instinctive songwriting process blends atmospheric indie pop rock and her trademark open-hearted, somewhat doomed romantic lyricism with an intimate yet cinematic feel.
