The first time I saw Catfish and the Bottleman, a four person band from North Wales, was in NYC in 2014 during the Governors Ball Music Festival. As I was walking toward the stage, I could hear the lead singer Van McCann’s unique voice singing one of the band’s only songs at the time and I thought to myself, how have these guys been playing for so long and don’t have an album out yet?! As I got closer I realized the band looked to have an average age of about 16. The second time was also in 2014 at Bonaroo. Both performances felt like they guys were in a sort of middle school phase. You know that phase in your life where you are a little awkward and still getting the hang of things. They just seemed nervous and not all that comfortable with themselves.
Last night at terminal 5 was a different story. Don’t get me wrong, I have always thought these guys were really talented. Just weren’t too comfortable with themselves on stage. Maybe it’s the whole "third times a charm" thing, but last night was by far the best performances I have seen of Catfish and the Bottleman. It almost felt like a new band. They are all grown up! First, the opening act Jamie N Commons was a great warm up. His song Jungle will be in my head for weeks. Catfish and the Bottleman came on with such amazing energy it was hard to not dance the entire time. That awkwardness I had seen just last year was completely gone.
Overall, I would say Catfish and the Bottleman are now in that High school phase, they know a lot more about who they are and where they want to go. They seem much more confident and have that high school senior attitude of knowing they are all set for college.
College for these guys will be when they make it big in the states and at the rate they are going that will come soon. Their shows are already sold out in the UK and before you know it will be in over here too. Everyone I have taken to see them ends up loving them and usually making a comment along the lines of “these guys are going to be big”. I bet their next album will be what pushes them to the top in the US.
So…. what you should do if you haven't already is listen to Catfish and the Bottleman!!!
Ps. According to this article the lead singer is 22!
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/mar/19/catfish-and-the-bottlrmen-if-youre-going-to-throw-a-party-throw-the-biggest-one-on-the-street