Catfish Haven--Please Come Back

The trailer-park named Chicago band Catfish Haven has made a splash in the indie scene there by incorporating indie trends as well as blues riffs and a country-feeling. The harsh vocals of George Hunter put an edge on an otherwise nostalgic and atmospheric album. Songs like "Please Come Back" implore simple yearning, and move into blues-influenced "You Can Have Me."

The instrumentals take a back-seat to the impressive vocals, which are the most striking about Catfish Haven besides their aquatic name (and the fact that there actually was a place called that). Hunter sings in a way that sounds like he desperately needs to clear his throat, yet this just adds more to the forlorn and hopelessly romantic feeling the album gives off. Lyrics like "Let me ask you a question / Have I ever made you cry?" are pulled off by this raspy voice. While boring and slow at parts, the album generally is a formidable debut, and speaks of the waves Catfish Haven has yet to make.

(Published at ComfortComes.com)