New York’s Alpha Cat has re-released their second album ‘Pearl Harbour’ as an expanded edition with two additional tracks.
Originally recorded over a two-year period before its full release in 2001, Alpha Cat aka Elizabeth McCullough first surfaced on the American music scene with the EP Real Boy in 1999.
With only a handful of copies sent to radio stations, Real Boy ended up on the CMJ National Top 5 Add Charts twice, receiving more adds than such formidable offerings as Beck’s ‘Midnight Vultures’, and Metallica’s ‘S&M’. It went on to sit in the top five of hundreds of stations around the US for some time, as well as spending six weeks in the national airplay charts.
When the follow up, Pearl Harbor, was re-released in early 2002, it received decent airplay on college radio, and won several “best of the year” awards from a few dedicated online reviewers.
Following a move to LA in 2005, McCullough recorded her next album with drummer Jason Smith and guitarist Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams, John Mayer), bassist Reggie McBride, (Stevie Wonder, Funkadelic). They recorded over 15 tracks, however, McCullough lost her voice and was unable to complete the record.
It wasn’t until 12 years later connecting with engineer Brett (Cosmo) Thorngren – who mixed and mastered them – to release them as the album Thatched Roof Glass House in 2019.
Pearl Harbour 2020 featured two new tracks which Alpha Cat recorded in the mid 90s at her home. Described as “truly uncut gems” by McCullough, two out of four track cassette recordings from 1994-95 were mixed to stereo. ‘Something Having To Do With’ purely speaks of love and ‘Love With What You’ve Got’ addresses the aftermath of said inspiring relationship.
Across the board, the album is amped up in production to sound like modern alt rock. With hints of rock n roll and power-pop riffs, the remaster is a sublime piece of work from the experienced musician.
To purchase a copy of the album, visit her website at https://alphacat.band/
