It was a contagious performance Saturday night by POETICAT at the Windmill in Brixton. Their interactive live performance highlights their potential and ability to be a captivating new genre band, combining experimental and acoustic sounds with cinematographic voices and complex metal guitar riffs. Their music, their theatrical performance become the carrier of social messages, of provocative and communal experiences

Take an incredible and all-around front woman able to transform even the simplest word or lyric into a hilarious, provocative and overwhelming artistic experience. Then, mix her charismatic voice with a groovy bass, a warm cajon sound and sophisticated metal guitar riffs. Add to this picture, a gentle silhouette whose voice slides elegantly into harmonies and experimental sounds and vocal effects.
POETICAT are more than music. POETICAT are entertainers, storytellers, honest. It’s like having a vast wardrobe full of colourful and eclectic outfits.

On stage, although you can perceive the incredible and strong attitude of front woman Catherine Martindale, every band member is a leading actor and has a specific and driving role during the show. ‘Hello Bullshit’ and ‘Gossip’ could easily become hits with their catchy refrain and their ironic taste. With ‘Crows’, because of its haunting vocals, the audience is mysteriously taken through a sensorial journey. Cathrine has such a great awareness and freedom of her body and movements. Together with the magical and genuine voice of Ziggi Jadovski she offers a vibrant and eye-opening show. The outstanding percussionist Vic Meadowcroft with his groove and his mastery of changing rhythm and accents adds a great value to the show. His sound and folklorist tempos together with the catchy and groovy bass line of Ivo Ramalho, are so present, energetic and overwhelming. On the other hand, Baj Kenrick with his guitar and long dark hair gains the spotlight by embellishing the songs with exuberant notes and remarkable metal riffs.

During the show, their desire to connect with the audience is evident through their original and unique questions “Which is the naughtiest thing you have ever done” – (like having wild sex with a politician). POETICAT like collecting answers and absorb stories from their fans. You can’t get bored or stop moving your foot to the rhythm of the beat.

This is a band are made to be on stage. You can’t contain all the beauty of their sounds, their talent and ability to entertain only in one recording. You might not like the music genre but you can’t be indifferent in recognising their ability to be versatile, fascinating and extremely original.