Birmingham-based quartet Jazzcat makes a bold leap into darker sonic territory with their new single “Concave”, a raw, emotionally charged track that blends shoegaze textures with Midwest emo intensity. Following their 2024 single “Scratches”, this release solidifies the band’s departure from their earlier funk-infused indie-rock sound, embracing instead a heavier, more tortured aesthetic that feels both cathartic and confrontational.
“Concave” immerses listeners in a world of sonic tension. The track’s high-reverb production creates an almost claustrophobic atmosphere, with Jaimie Jagger’s strained vocals fighting to be heard over screeching industrial distortion and a relentless rhythm section. The math rock-inspired instrumentation—complete with pushed timing and evolving guitar motifs—mirrors the lyrical themes of internal conflict and unanswered questions, culminating in a crescendo of emotional release.
Having split their time between Birmingham and London, Jazzcat’s exposure to different music scenes has clearly left its mark. While traces of their pop sensibilities remain, “Concave” channels the raw energy of influences like Fontaines D.C. and Title Fight, filtered through their own distinctive lens. The call-and-response between Jagger’s lead vocals and gang backing vocals adds another layer of tension, perfectly encapsulating the track’s central struggle between knowing and not knowing.
With “Concave”, Jazzcat proves their ability to evolve without losing their identity. This is a band pushing their sound into exciting new realms—one raw, riff-driven anthem at a time. Fans of emotional, textured alternative rock will find plenty to love here.
