EP REVIEW: Have Another… – The Lounge Kittens

The words ‘cover’ or ‘novelty’, when applied to a band, seem to consign them to a certain tier of live music; one of pub back rooms, wedding receptions, bad DJ sets and one hit wonders. These bands are just vehicles for consuming music by the better bands they imitate, for having copious pints and a good old sing along to the standards. THE LOUNGE KITTENS take this notion and give it a stilettoed punt right in the nards. While the tracks they trade in are popular staples from the worlds of rock, metal, hip hop and, of all things, kids TV show theme tunes, the trio sprinkle them with enough of their signature sparkle and snark to own them soundly.

Their second EP, Have Another… has a safer title than their debut Just The Tip… and their full length Sequins & C-bombs, and arguably sees them sticking to slightly ‘safer’ territory than the latter. While their dabbling with a full backing band bought a new dimension, Have Another… sees them stripping back to basics; a piano, the occasional hand clap, and majestic harmonies.

Opener Gold Dust, originally by DJ FRESH, starts of with soft piano and breathy vocals, building up into jangling bass chords. It’s initially intimate but quickly ramps up into the band’s signature bouncing rhythm their madcap polka energy shifting effortless through dynamics to a layered climax of dizzyingly fast keys. Violent Pornography, originally by SYSTEM OF A DOWN is the raunchiest number here, the trio’s mirroring of the songs guitar lines with “wow wows” showcasing their superb silliness while staying true to the songs’ original, irresistible tempo.

JIMMY EAT WORLD‘s The Middle is a dash more mellow and bittersweet, the lilting vocal melodies lending a new gravitas to the lyrics, while the OMI hit Cheerleader is potentially THE LOUNGE KITTENS’ most off the wall choice to date, but their bouncing grooves and good time vibes (as well as a dash of a little bit of Feeling Hot by THE MERRYMEN) is proof that the ladies are loving it as much as this listener. LINKIN PARK classic One Step Closer runs from funny trumpet impressions to a sultry, tango like strut, just as tense as the original despite the playful ridiculousness of shouts of “shut up”. Have Another…‘s closer Love Walked In, originally by THUNDER, is classic kitten fare; soft pianos, canny arrangement and crooning harmonies, a less risky proposition, but a lovely listen nonetheless.

This EP comes after a year of ups and downs for the tremendous trio, and it’s no small feat that they’ve managed to keep on keeping on and bless us with material. Sure, it’s back to basics, they’ve de-fleffed a little bit, but in the face of a world that seems to be shitting itself ever more thoroughly each day, THE LOUNGE KITTENS‘ brand of artistry, joy and wit is a welcome reprieve.

Rating: 7/10

Have Another… is set for release March 15th via Grweat Records.

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