Caruso Kitten

North Carolina’s Caruso, aka Matt DeBellis, presents his third full-length, originally recorded in 2003 and the second LP reissue under the General Manager imprint. Unlike the array of loops, found audio, and wall-of-sound aesthetics of 2011’s Pink Cloud, Kitten plays lighter, dancier, and goes far beyond the accessible into the infectious.

This LP sees DeBellis making actual *songs* out of the disjointed pop fragments that appear on his first two singles—2001’s “Titles Are For Babies” from UK label Crustaceans and Reptiles, and 2003’s “You Heard Me” from another UK label, Pickled Egg. Kitten’s sonic connection with the UK is immediately clear on first listen; the guitar tones and thick layers of reverb reference numerous bands from London labels Creation and Too Pure, both seminal fixtures of the 90s English alternative scene.

This reissue was re-mastered for vinyl by British producer and sound engineer, Guy Fixsen, of My Bloody Valentine, Moonshake, and Slowdive fame. Much like Moonshake’s music, these songs hinge on highly-danceable hooks and lush landscapes of electric guitar. The beats harken back to early 00s drum machine freeware, Hammerhead, replete with the ubiquitous Tr-808, Tr-909, and standard samples like “Funky Drummer.” But beyond the carefully constructed pop scaffolding, Kitten’s undiscovered gems truly take shape with DeBellis’ soft, crooning harmonies.

Lyrically, the album is an unapologetic ode to gay love. DeBellis’ vocals bring a nuanced intimacy to the record that‘s equal parts nascent sexual power and vulnerability. On “Anyone There?” he quips, “He’s so fucking hip, but what does he know? I don’t think I’ll tell him how much I love him so.” Later, on the synthy, trip-hoppy, “Fruitcake,” his innuendo-laden coos sound like a challenge: “Baby like his fruitcake, he’s no different than the other boys. He’s no different than you.” DeBellis gets help from some of his Baltimore pals including The Violet Hour’s Beth Varden, who adds vocals and instruments to several songs, including a Swirlies cover.