“It truly is a lazy effort, but because Catfish And The Bottlemen know that it’ll go down well and ultimately succeed, there’s no point in changing that, right?”
These are the brutal words of Luke Nuttall from The Soundboard when he reviewed Catfish and the Bottlemen’s 2019 album, The Balance.
Well, here’s a hot take for you: I think artists’ music should all sound the same.
I get it – you think they’re overrated. Their music isn’t your taste. In fact, you think your music taste is superior. You think the front-man of that one band is an arse and you refuse to hear anything otherwise. We get it. We all have opinions on artists, like we do with 99% of things which exist in our lives.
But let’s be honest—disliking an artist because their each song in their discography sounds similar is often a copout. You just don’t like how their music sounds, and that’s okay. Because if you did like their music, you’d be buzzing that each song sounds like the next. At least they’re consistent. There’s something reassuring about knowing what to expect from an artist. It’s a testament to their signature sound, a hallmark of their brand.
Personally, if I hear a song or two I like from a musician, then I’m inclined to listen to the rest of their discography, because I want to hear songs similar to those that I like. And I’ll admit it myself, I’ve lost interest in artists who put out a really good album, then completely switch it up with their next release.
Look, I know I’m being a bit tenacious. And in reality, I do admire artists who venture into new sounds and genres, evolving their style and bringing their fans along for the ride.
However, there’s also something special about artists who stick to their guns, perfecting a particular genre and sound. Isn’t it wonderful to hear a song and instantly know who the artist is based solely on their distinctive style? Or to recommend other artists who share that same unique vibe?
I just think we have to lay off the artists who commit to the bit and have found a genre and a sound which they and their fans alike love and resonate with.
In the end, there’s value in both consistency and evolution. But let’s not undermine the joy of musical familiarity and the comfort it can bring.
(And can we please give Catfish and the Bottlemen a break. Thanks.)
