Dream Pop from Cat Ryan

Formed in 2018 in the UK’s North East music scene, art-gaze indie band Cat Ryan have been making waves with their fierce originality and immersive live shows. Having cemented their name as a must watch act on the live circuit in Newcastle and beyond, they hit the studio to record three singles, released to critical acclaim throughout 2020.

Making their studio music introduction with “Mannerism”, followed up by sophomore single “Blessed Through the TV” and finally “Mary Shelley Song”, they captivated listeners with their alternative sound which blends melodic and hook-driven writing with a reflective and unique outlook. The well-received singles gained the band high praise and radio support from the likes of Tom Robinson on Radio 6, extensive BBC Introducing spins all over the UK as well as features on Official Spotify playlists.

Having built up more momentum off the back of their single releases, the outfit then focused on playing live shows during 2021 whenever the pandemic restrictions permitted. Whilst the members were still at university in their final year, they were able to work behind the scenes to put the finishing touches on their highly anticipated debut EP, set to drop this autumn.

Now, after finishing their studies, the band have made an emphatic return, adding to their line up with the addition of Evie Rhodes on bass guitar and sharing their new single titled “Rex Mundi”. Written about an Irish greyhound of the same name, the new single sees Cat Ryan come back to the limelight with a bang.

Full of bright instrumentation, grooving rhythms and a perfectly charged vocal delivery carrying infectiously catchy melodic leads, “Rex Mundi” serves to certify Cat Ryan’s reputation as one of the most exciting UK indie band’s on the rise.

On the new single, singer and multi-instrumentalist Mary-Anne shares, “‘Rex Mundi’ came to fruition whilst I was visiting my family’s remote farm in rural Ireland. Having recently finished university and with no service or any wifi, I was able to sit down and write without distractions.”

Adding, “The musical basis for the song arose from a fun bass line I created with a midi keyboard. With the addition of the upbeat drums, it evolved into a fast-paced song which, naturally, called for lyrics with a fast-moving theme – hence the greyhounds! In terms of the lyrics, these came about after visiting my aunt and uncle nearby, where I learned that they’d recently got a new greyhound named ‘Rex Mundi’ (Latin for ‘King of the World’), which instantly resonated with me and, as greyhounds are known for their speed, it seemed like a perfect theme to fit with the musical vibe.”

Listen to Rex Mundi below