The stage doors are finally open for Catfish and The Bottlemen latest single release “Showtime.”
Heading back to the fields again, Multi-platinum British indie-rock and alternative band, Catfish and The Bottlemen have finally released their new single “Showtime.” Frontman and vocalist Van McCann along with bassist Benji Blakeway return back into the public eye after dropping cryptic posts on social media.
The band released their UK Top 10 chart hitting debut album, The Balcony in 2014 that quickly amassed them a worldwide audience with notable tracks such as “Cocoon” and “Kathleen.” Following the monumental success of their debut, their sophomore album The Ride featuring songs “Soundcheck” and “Twice,” proving their exceptional talent thus earning them a No. 1 album. The revival of Catfish and The Bottlemen following their 5 year long discourse since their last album The Balance in 2019 has led them to this moment right here. The stage doors are finally opening up for new acts and the band is ready for their performance of a lifetime. The notoriety of the band derives its title due to their sonically stadium anthem style tracks and live performances. With the resurgence of garage rock bands rising out of England with a rushing passion of making it out into the big leagues, Catfish and The Bottlemen have established themselves as one of the greatest UK indie rock bands.
Produced by multi-Grammy Award winning producer Dave Sardy (LCD Soundsystem, Oasis, Rolling Stones), their brand new long awaited anticipated track, “Showtime” highlights the depth of McCann’s songwriting and his experience of life. “Showtime” is a sentimental and rawfully honest track that recognizes the fans’ constant support who have gotten them where they are today and McCann’s lifelong commitment to the band. The music video features footage of the band backstage overlayed by a live audience comparing the contrast between the quiet and isolated moments before the adrenaline rush of setting foot on stage.
The single differs from past releases as their sound progression has evolved and introduced the integration of different musical elements that truly brings the essence of the brilliant minds of Catfish and The Bottlemen. With the fuzzy and muffled vocals paired alongside rustic acoustic guitars, the lyrics are reflecting back on the triumphs and memorable moments of the band. Their new sound emulates early 2000s Brit-garage rock that entices a nostalgic temperament that is predominantly known in the UK. The newly integrated inspirations from the collaboration of Sardy and McCann taking over the track and straying away from their previous records, an elevated version of Catfish and The Bottlemen is taking the band into a whole new direction.
The songwriting on “Showtime” is a looking glass that offers an insight as to what the band has overcome and dealt with within the past few years processing the highs and the lows.
“Get on this, Sometimes when the thing you love is right in front of your eyes. Don’t blink or you’ll miss, Showtime. Before you know it’s going gone and that’s life”.
The lines in this verse can allude to their time off since their last live performance in Leeds Festival back in 2021 before everything went quiet keeping fans in the dark that ultimately led to rumors of a band hiatus. However, the band decided to pick up their mics again and recalled their lucky opportunity of having the chance to start once again before the moment disappears.
Within the third verse of the song, one of the most heartwarming lines directs its attention to the dedication that comes from the love of creating music.
“Making tracks again, ’cause we set our sights on the goal that ends. Me being all yours and you being all mine”.
The immortalization of Catfish and The Bottlemen comes from their dedicated fanbase and their commitment. The heart of the band connects as one with the fans fueling a deep connection and loyal relationship. This line defines the true feelings about the future of the band and Catfish’s gratitude to those who stayed by their side.
Catfish and The Bottlemen are gearing up their belongings and are setting out on their path back into the spotlight. With their upcoming brand new fourth studio album and era on the horizon, the band also announced their return to the stage and are headlining the main stage at the infamous Reading & Leeds Festival this summer. In addition, Catfish and The Bottlemen are performing special headline shows in the UK at Cardiff Castle on July 19th and Edinburgh Summer Sessions on August 24th. Tickets for all shows go on sale 10:00 GMT on Friday, March 1st. They will be available HERE.
I am a photographer based in Houston, Texas. I'm currently pursuing a BFA degree concentrating in Photography and Digital Media at the University of Houston. Music has always been a big part of my life and I love that I get to intertwine that with photography. I'm consistently listening to all of my favorite bands and discovering new genres and artists. I love all things cosmic, watching films, and reading.