Los Angeles, a city known for its glitz, glamour, and a music scene that’s as diverse as its sprawling landscape. From the iconic Sunset Strip to the indie vibes of Silver Lake, LA’s musical tapestry is vast and varied. But amidst the city’s shimmering skyline and palm-lined boulevards, a new sound emerges, echoing from the East Coast. Catherine Moan, once a darkwave darling of Philadelphia’s synthpop underground, has now made the City of Angels her new sonic playground.
In her latest single, “Jawbreaker,” Catherine Moan (née Angel Jefferson) evokes the brooding vibes of early Depeche Mode and the ethereal echoes of Strawberry Switchblade’s Rose McDowall, with a splash of Cyndi Lauper for good measure. The song surges with an undercurrent of dark energy – its bass is relentless, while the vocals oscillate between stark luminance and haunting depths. Building with a surreal tension, it reaches a climactic release of shimmering synths and experimental drum beats.
The final product? A shimmery synthpop masterpiece wrapped in a star-crossed gothic romance – a paradox, indeed.
“The track comes from the point of view of someone who feels replaceable, hard to love, and ultimately feels damaged by another’s actions,” says Catherine Moan. “A Jawbreaker is a lover not meant to last.”
Listen to “Jawbreaker” below:
Catherine Moan initially came onto the scene with her haunting rendition of Depeche Mode’s “Fools,” quickly becoming a beacon on the radar of Philadelphia’s Born Losers Records. After her move to LA and collaborating with producer Trey Frye (Korine), she soon unveiled her debut, “Chain Reaction”. Standout tracks like “Drop It!” and the title track perfectly encapsulated the frenetic pulse and rawness born of solitude.
The single “Soda Pop” marked Catherine Moan’s shift from the gossamer veils of 80’s ambiance, pushing her towards a luminescent realm of electroclash and modern pop sheen. With accolades rolling in, her magnetic presence echoed through venues from the US coasts to European backstreets, including a notable performance at SXSW. A series of synergy-driven singles with Primer further showcased her expansive range.
“Jawbreaker” is out now via Born Losers Records. Listen to it on Spotify, and order below:
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