Seattle-based band mega cat, featuring members of Smokey Brights, has officially released their self-titled debut album via Share It Music. The album, available digitally and on visually striking 140 gram yellow vinyl with heavy black splatter, showcases the group’s penchant for blending diverse musical styles into a cohesive and engaging instrumental experience.
“Rat Fight,” one of the pre-release singles from the album, encapsulates the unique sound that mega cat aims to deliver. The track features funky rhythms with drums and bass laying down the groove, complemented by synth melodies and vocoder chords. Its 5/4 time signature adds an irregular yet compelling rhythm, reminiscent of a Mission Impossible-style break, ensuring the music remains dynamic and captivating.
The creation of mega cat was spearheaded by Aaron Benson (drums, percussion, guitar), Kim West (piano and synthesizer), and Ryan Devlin (bass and guitar). For live performances, the ensemble expands to include Dave Dederer (Presidents of the United States of America) on guitar and Jacob Whinihan (La Fonda) on percussion, enhancing the band’s sonic palette.
The band has also released a new video for “Rat Fight,” directed by Cheryl Eddis and available on YouTube. The track and its accompanying visual elements are emblematic of mega cat’s musical philosophy, which merges elements of punk, hip-hop instrumentals, 70’s Afro Beat, avant-jazz, and the distinctive individualism of Pacific Northwest music into a harmonious and experimental concoction.
mega cat, described as a “disembodied multidimensional being” experienced through sound waves, was discovered by the band members in a basement home studio in Seattle’s Central District. Encounters with mega cat’s music reportedly lead to profound experiences, including loss of time, body dissociation, euphoria, and even ego death, with some listeners experiencing enhanced perceptions and holographic thought.
Through their debut album, mega cat aims to transmit instrumental narratives that resonate with fans of 20th-century science fiction, Afro-beat, hip hop, and psychedelic music, crafting a sound that is both familiar and distinctly novel. With “Rat Fight” and the rest of the tracks on their self-titled debut, mega cat invites listeners to immerse themselves in their rich, experimental soundscape, offering a musical journey that transcends the conventional boundaries of genre.
