Stream Opium from Cats of Transnistria

Cats of Transnistria have graced the ATH pages several times in the past few months, as we anxiously awaited the release of the group’s new effort, Opium. Luckily, we’re fortunate enough to share the stream of the album before it’s release this Friday via Soliti Music. But, one must be forewarned, as you’re likely to find yourself lost in the folds of this wondrous creation. The group has always had this haunting depth…a sort of out-of-body craftsmanship that seductively brings you under its spell; you’ll want to fully immerse yourself in this listen. Take a track like “Trees,” which is a 7 minute opus; the band exhibit a great deal of patience, barely making a sound before the 3 minute mark. They’re stretching the boundaries of pop music, carefully plotting each note and change of tone…aided on this effort by the presence of violinist Sanna Komi. While I find the entirety of the record stunning, I’ve found “Feeding” to be my favorite; the discordant opening crested perfectly into an angelic vocal appearance from Henna Emilia. Lose yourself in this listen, and look for the album on Friday.

Enjoy New Cats of Transnistria

I listen to more music that I should, and among it all, at the moment, nothing is quite as special as Cats of Transnistria. A wash of atmospherics open this number before strings and curling guitar lines add an ominous tone. That works perfectly to contrast with the angelic vocal performance that floats dreamily atop the sonic landscape crafted by the group. Then the group moves you in an entirely different direction, almost as if you’ve entered some forbidden forest with them before those strings come back to suck you into the realm. You’re not going to find another act operating so beautifully; look for their new album Opium to hit on February 2nd via Soliti.