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Cate Le Bon
A new force in song craft, Cate Le Bon currently resides in Cardiff’s infamous French quarter and befitting a songwriter who only writes in the dark, her music is a heady and highly personal Gallic stew of equal parts Nico, Malkmus and the chronicler’s own emotional observations on the impossibility of existence.
Disheartened by the constant stream of dead animals she found herself burying in her parents farm in Penboyr, West Wales, and inspired by her father’s impeccable record collection (The Velvets, Neil Young, Pavement et all) Cate packed her things and begrudgingly set sail for the neon lights and ample rehearsal space available in her country’s capital.
Following a string of club night shows in the city, Cate caught the attention of Super Furry Animals front man Gruff Rhys who over a cigarette and a glass of brandy offered her some support slots with his band. Cate continued to gig extensively in the UK releasing singles and a Welsh language E.P (Edrych Yn Llygaid Ceffyl Benthyg) on the Indie Record label Peski.
When the time came to put an album together with record producer Krissie Jenkins things got a little out of hand. With no deadlines and a lackadaisical work ethic the album (titled Pet Deaths) turned into a cacophony of all the instruments they had to hand. Weeks turned into months of disjointed, directionless recording sessions and amidst all the mayhem Cate finally had an epiphany as Krissie reached for the jaw harp.
Pet Death was buried.
Soon after abandoning her attempted debut, Cate was offered a lifeline in the shape of Neon Neon. What began as a guest vocal appearance on their debut single “I Lust You,” resulted in a year of touring the world as part of their band.
During a month’s break from the road, with her confidence and enthusiasm redoubled, Cate retired to Y Gerlan in the mountains of North Wales to rehearse a collection of new songs. With the songs finely whittled and sculpted she returned to the studio for a prophetic 10 day recording session which resulted in Me Oh My. Artfully composed with a classic five a side formation, the carefully constructed album boasts a concise palette of instrumentation played live by Cate and a fluid band of close friends. Perfectly illuminating her writing skills with understated menace and beauty.
Once the Neon Neon touring came to an end, Cate was able to take back the reins on her own music, and she released her debut album in the UK on fellow band mate Gruff Rhys’ Irony Bored Records [& Tapes]label to rapturous critical acclaim.
Cate is currently back in the green fields and rocky mountains of North Wales training for the album’s US release in May via The Control Group (El Perro Del Mar, Wildbirds & Peacedrums).
Me Oh My will be released physically May 4 via The Control Group
