Album Review
Cheatahs – Mythologies
4 StarsA collection of tracks that houses some of their strongest moments to date.
Writers’ block is clearly not a worry for Cheatahs. While ‘Mythologies’ might mark only their second full-length, between this and last year’s self-titled debut the trio have released two transitional EPs – ‘Sunne’ and Murasaki’ – that perfectly illustrated their penchant for studio time. It’d be easy to assume that their creative wells might be beginning to run dry, but on the contrary, ‘Mythologies’ showcases a band still bubbling with ideas and harbouring a mad-scientist approach to experimentation.
While that ‘shoegaze’ tag might be the genre-du-jour for the current wave of baggy-wardrobed 90s revivalists, Cheatahs’ realm of influence extends much further than their pedalboards. Elements of Britpop brattiness poke through in Nathan Hewitt’s scorned vocals during ‘Freak Wave’, but it’s juxtaposed with ‘Signs To Lorelai’, which pairs delicate harmonics with a watercolour backdrop of lush synth-work. It’s a record that relishes in these multiple personalities, darting between guises with aplomb.
While things are of course tied together with that familiar, sprawling, heady fuzz, it’s testament to Cheatahs’ abilities that things rarely feel sludgy or samey. Admittedly, a bit of fat trimming might have helped ‘Mythologies’ pack a firmer punch, but there’s a fine-toothed melody throughout which helps carve a path through all the smog - ‘Seven Sisters’’ Madchester bounce in particular a welcome addition.
Never sitting still or dwelling on their influences for too long, the third incarnation of Cheatahs in 2015 have harnessed the hyperactivity of their release schedule, channelling it into a collection of tracks that houses some of their strongest moments to date. Thank god we won’t have to wait long for the next step.
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Cheatahs get shaky with their favourite James Bond themes
After recording some of their album next door to MI5 itself, the multi-national mob have shared their favourite of their new neighbour's various themes.
14th January 2016, 12:00am
Cheatahs announce London show and European tour
The ‘Mythologies’ shapeshifters are heading home for an XOYO show in support of new single 'Freak Waves'.
1st December 2015, 12:00am
Cheatahs change their spots: “It’s like throwing paint at a canvas and then scraping a lot of stuff back.”
In the new issue of DIY (out Friday 6th November), Cheatahs invite DIY to their South London studio to talk reinvention.
4th November 2015, 12:00am
Cheatahs stream new album ‘Mythologies’
The band's second record proper comes out next Friday.
19th October 2015, 12:00am
Featuring SOFT PLAY, Corinne Bailey Rae, 86TVs, English Teacher and more!