You can see some things coming from a mile off and, while it felt a tad unfair to attach such expectations to a debut, Cayetana’s ‘Nervous Like Me’ has looked like it could be a rough-hewn gem for months now.
In following up their well-received demo and the excellent ‘Hot Dad Calendar’ 7”, the Philadelphia trio have displayed an unwavering ear for a melody, a firm grasp on the fuzzy dynamics of mid-’90s alt-punk and a perceptive, warm take on the trials of growing older.
Given they only picked up their instruments a few years ago, as they tipped over into their late 20s, there is a sense throughout that this is a record made with care and attention by people who have, for one reason or another, been content to bide their time.
It’s not one for empty sentiment or throwaway moments and, in truth, Cayetana's songwriting smarts have made living up to the pre-release hype look effortless. Hot Dad Calendar is included here, as are demo favourites Mountain Kids and South Philly, but the bar is raised further elsewhere.
Where Serious Things Are Stupid highlights the ragged soul of August Koch’s vocals and casts an analytical eye over the first in a number of familiar social situations, Dirty Laundry and Black Hills exhibit Cayetana’s knack for breezy pop. The former is also a great example of one of the record’s trump cards: bassist AllegraAnka’s ability to chime in with inventive runs and nagging hooks.
‘Nervous Like Me’ is an album that taps into time and place and takes it for all it’s worth. Short, sweet and addictive, it’s one of the albums of the year and one of the best to emerge from a Philly scene that's set the standard in punk for a while.
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