Indie-pop outfit Cat Ryan have released their highly anticipated debut EP, “King of the World.”

Indie-pop outfit Cat Ryan have released their highly anticipated debut EP, “King of the World.” Driven by lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Mary-Anne Murphy, the Newcastle UK natives have created a project that’s stylistically coherent while also feeling fresh and unpredictable.

The EP opens with “Speeding Too Slow,” which feels reminiscent of the golden days of indie rock, evoking the sonic ghosts of Two Door Cinema Club and Vampire Weekend. 

We then journey through the lead single of the project “Rex Mundi.” The tune really shows the band at their best. Spacey, half-time verses are picked up in an energetic hook. The tune is ever-engaging, laden with nostalgia, and hooky as fook.

In a world of blurry bedroom pop, these arrangements feel refreshingly intentional, with meticulous instrumentation and endless instrumental countermelodies; a true compliment to the genre. Mary- Anne’s voice offers depth while being lovely on the ears, and thoughtful lyrics become the unifying element of the tracks.

After an experimental interlude, we come to my personal favourite of the project, “Lost My Connection.” I love the stamina and pace of this track, how it manages to be all at once energetic and laid back. 

The EP wraps up with the deliberately whimsical “Daydream.” A strong finish, thoughtful and sparkley, while maintaining the energy and charisma of the project. 

To conclude, this EP feels like a low-fi summer afternoon, captured through an Instagram filter named “peach iced tea” (iykyk). 

For Fans Of: Vampire Weekend, Hippo Campus, Alvvays, Declan McKenna

From the band: ‘King of the World’ holds a deeply personal significance as it features some of the earliest songs written by Mary-Anne back in 2017 for the project. Now, after years of evolution as an artist, these songs have been revisited, reworked, and recorded, reflecting the true and diverse essence of our style.”

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Cat Ryan are headlining Union Bar in Belfast on Friday the 4th of October and The Sound House Dublin on Saturday the 5th of October. Don't miss out!