The fantastic debut album from Cincinnati native Catlea, Language Barrier, is a striking exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Following the success of their Bones EP, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist spent three years refining ten tracks that blend indie rock’s intensity with folk’s introspective warmth. Produced by Jason Boshoff and Oscar Garcia-Bragado, the album navigates the breakdown of a relationship with unflinching honesty, from the fiery opener “Welcome to the Show” to the haunting reflections of “Bones.”
Opening the album in gripping form, “Welcome to the Show” quickly showcases Catlea’s knack for dynamic tonal ascents. Debonair vocals swell into the “same circus, different clowns,” rock-forward invigoration. Themes of renewal following tumult — depicted within the “this beautiful circus will go up in flames — and there goes all you know,” — arrive into the memorable title-touting refrain. The subsequent “Why Them?” furthers those themes of moving on from a fallen relationship, lyrically questioning the difficulties of finding love whilst others seem to. “Do you see the pain in my heart?” a dreamy entrancement unveils, gearing seamlessly thereafter into the punchy, anthemic central hook — asking “why them, not me?” with poignant impact.
Another standout, “Like Me” enamors with a more folk-forward serenity. “I know it won’t hurt this much when I see it coming,” Catlea’s lush vocals let out. The aesthetic here excels in its more introspective folk sound, following up a trio of tracks that dazzle in their brisker rock and pop cohesions. “Blue Sage” is another highlight in the serene spectrum, venturing from stately piano and slight guitars into jangling rock/pop charms. The “nothing’s closer to breaking, I can’t stop the shaking,” sincere lyricism compels, using flower imagery alongside in illustrations of personal growth and perseverance — learning to bloom even whilst preferring “the moonlight.”
“I didn’t get over you, I just got over talking about,” Catlea admits on “Bones,” another resounding success that’s enjoyably honest in its emotive contemplations on getting over a relationship — and the various steps involved in moving away from the metaphorical bones in one’s closet. “I’m a little lost, where do I go from here?” the infectious bridge exudes, building into a satiating send-off. Language Barrier is an enveloping success from Catlea, whose blend of pop, rock, and folk is moving amidst relatable perspectives on a relationship’s demise.
