It took me a moment to pick up what Catbite was putting down, but like most things I’m wrong about, I’m happy to have fixed that. The five-piece band from Philadelphia, PA plays some of the most infectious and poppy ska punk I’ve heard in years and they don’t seem to be slowing down. With opening bands Reckoner and Public Opinion, their show at the Constellation Room, Catbite’s show made for one of the best show experiences I’ve had this year.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching Reckoner evolve in the last year and it’s been great to see. Despite some fluctuating band members in the last year, Reckoner sounded fantastic. While we’ve been treated to a cover of Elvis Costello’s “What’s So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding” in previous sets, Reckoner replaced it with a new and yet-to-be-released song. It sounded great. The songs that Jennie Cotterill and crew write are catchy in the right spots, but still have that edge to them. Here’s to more shows and songs in the new year.
Public Opinion from Denver, Colorado came out swinging and kept hitting hard. It’s difficult to put them in a specific genre box as their sound on stage felt like a cross between indie and hardcore. Their set was impressive and full of energy. They tore through nine or ten songs in thirty minutes, playing in spurts of three at a time without breaking pace. Public Opinion was heavy without being overtly gruff. I know where I’ll be next time they come through town.
This tour marks Catbite’s first headlining run in many of the cities they’re playing including this show. This was my second time seeing them this year after their opening slot on the Less Than Jakes Ska Circus Tour over the summer. Catbite’s set was one of the most fun I’ve seen this year. While I’m not one for moving my feet too much, even I was dancing a bit through some of their songs. Opening with Doom Garden’s lead track, “Die in Denver,” Catbite led the crowd through nearly twenty songs including “Amphetamine Delight,” “Scratch Me Up,” “Eyes Wide,” and a cover of Paramore’s “Still Into You.” If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Catbite, they know how to choose and execute a good cover.
This was hands down one of the most fun shows I’ve been to all year. Three great bands doing what they love and a receptive crowd made this a night to remember. Each band’s sound was unique enough that there was something for everyone, except for the one common thread of being enamored with live music. Catbite is should be essential viewing when they come to your town.