Inspirational Hobart post-punk duo, The Native Cats, in conjunction with Chapter Music have released their four celebrated albums John Sharp Toro (2018), Dallas (2013),Process Praise (2011) and Always On (2009), as well as early singles Ten Years Transportation (2012) and Catspaw (2009) to streaming services for the first time.
The Native Cats are bassist Julian Teakle and singer/electronics operator Chloe Alison Escott. Spiritual forebears to the current wave of speak-singing post-punk a la Dry Cleaning and Sleaford Mods, The Native Cats have grown a sizeable cult following from their Tasmanian home since the late 2000s. The sparse, catchy, bass-driven post-punk is offset by Chloe’s lyrics which twist, confound and linger.
Chloe says “Right from the start I’ve wanted the Native Cats’ full body of work to be worthy of a deep dive, to reward close study even if just one person were to be curious enough to undertake it. It’s what we love to do as listeners and I like to think we’ve earned it as artists. Returning to themes and characters, repeating key words and lines in new contexts, reusing sounds, and perhaps most importantly, installing paths outward to art we love and history we’re fascinated by. I’m proud of our songs and the web of connections between them and I’m excited to place it all within easy reach.”
Chapter Music’s association with Chloe and Julian spans decades, having released Chloe’s solo album Stars Under Contract in 2020, and putting out a seven inch record by Julian’s old band The Frustrations back in 1998. This long association is set to continue, with a planned new release for later in the year.
All photos: As supplied
