EP REVIEW: Catspeak – Teri Gender Bender
TERI GENDER BENDER is back with Catspeak, the follow-up EP to a litany of 2022 releases that included Saturn Sex and State Of Fear. Catspeak is the first of two EPs that are scheduled for this year, with Outsiders coming in July. It features songs that Teri – who is also the frontwoman of Mexican punk band LE BUTCHERETTES – wrote when she was 19 years old which were lost and then found again many years later. The guitars, drums, and bass are all recorded by Teri herself, and the EP was produced by her friend Jon Debaun.
Like No One Else is the first of the five songs on Catspeak. The funky punk is a unique spin on the genre, and it is somewhat reminiscent of 1970s rock. Whilst it does seem to build up to something that only really pays off in the final quarter of the song, it is an interesting – if slightly underwhelming – start to the EP. Lost In The Gold is slightly more stripped back, with the main instrument being an acoustic guitar. However, TERI GENDER BENDER is never conventional with her music, preferring to rewrite what different genres should sound like. Outsider, for example, is a guitar-driven song that has a rocking chorus, but the verses are much more laid back.
On the other hand, no matter what the songs sound like instrumental wise, the common denominator is Teri‘s voice. It is stronger than ever, hypnotising the listener to pay attention to every word she says. This is the most apparent on Misery And Us, where her powerful voice is at its very best, and – thanks to the production – is heard above the thundering instruments.
Unfortunately, this EP does sound a little rushed due to its runtime. Four of the five songs are under three minutes. The final song, Nicole Speaks Out, is just over three minutes long, and speaks about the important but tragic experience of internalised family abuse. The song is impactful as it packs a lot into its short runtime, and it does not glamorise the sensitive topic. That said, the other four songs sound a little unpolished and all seem to end slightly abruptly. Although the songs themselves are fine, and they are well-produced on their own, when put together they make the EP fly by if you are not listening carefully enough.
Overall, Catspeak is a fun and engaging albeit quite short EP. TERI GENDER BENDER still knows how to keep things engaging, and her mesmerising voice will have you spellbound. Unfortunately, the EP does seem to fly by if you don’t pay close attention, and whilst it is well produced, the first four songs do sound a little rushed. Despite this, if you are looking for a fun, unique EP, then Catspeak is for you. TERI GENDER BENDER‘s fun twist on punk music definitely makes for an interesting record, and it will have you looking at punk in a whole new light.
Rating: 7/10
Catspeak is set for release on May 12th via Clouds Hill.
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