We Are Catchers - We Are Catchers

‘Water’s Edge’, the opening track of ‘We Are Catchers’, the debut album from Liverpool native Peter Jackson working under the same name, is one of this record’s defining pillars. With all the wistful, easy-going contemplation of an opener, it introduces the listener to the themes of discovery, hope and escape. Simply working as a keyboardist in previous groups, Peter has produced a great display of how a piano can successfully take front and centre.

‘We Are Catchers’ captures the fine elements which make up that undeniable late 60s pop-rock sound; the warm timbre of the piano, recessed vocals, a wandering guitar (courtesy of The Coral’s Bill Ryder-Jones), a tambourine for body and drums that do nothing more than keep casual time. The Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’ is a good auditory example of the vibes it gives off. The entire album looks out, wonders for, lusts after and contemplates that Californian ideal but is tugged back to reality by the reminiscing, mournful sound that Liverpool’s infamous music scene dictates. This album slowly reveals itself to be the child of transatlantic, star-crossed lovers.

The jury is still out on the lyrics however, as the amount of in-verse duplication and simplistic rhyme scheme could be either intentional or unimaginative. Does the pace crawl or comfortably hover? Is it kitsch or simply reimagined? Is “cool minimalism” just a stylised adjective to describe tedious repetition? We Are Catchers lies precariously in the middle field.

But ignoring the details and simply listening to the melodies, there´s intrigue enough to last a morning commute. The aaah-ing and oooh-ing of the choral harmonies laps in and out against the soft, sandy meandering vocals. There aren’t many crashes or swells, just an ocean of calm that permeates from song to song. ‘Tap Tap Tap’ is the most fast-paced track to be found (still only at walking speed) whilst ‘If You Decide’ has a tender beat and anticlimactic phrasing which would have been a standout ballad if the album showed more contrasting colours.

Regardless, there’s definitely a vision and where it has been realised, it’s quite a good one.