Words By: Brianna Vacca

Multi-genre hybrid Katastro has revitalized and breathed new life into their sound properties since their beginnings. From debut album Poking Holes In A Pattern to Strange Nights via Law Records in 2016 that launched them into the national spotlight, the band has matured their sonic offerings over the years. Katastro’s sixth full-length studio album Sucker is now out via Silverback Music’s Controlled Substance Sound Labs. 

Composed of Andy Chaves [vocals], Andrew Stravers [drums], Tanner Riccio [guitar], and later Ryan Weddle [bass], the musical amalgam combines a modernized hip-hop offering and island reggae with contemporary pop tendencies. Citing influences such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Eminem, genre-blending is the band’s forte.

Katastro’s Sucker, produced by Matt Keller [Lydia, Anarbor, Redlands], is a twelve-song depiction of amorous feelings, woe, and wanting to get off the roller coaster of repetitiveness. Akin to the Arizona native’s previous records, their creative attitude has never been limited.

The lead single and opening track in Katastro’s Sucker, “The Way I Feel,” encircles an intoxicating, blithe landscape made to be a summery soundtrack. Portraying the goodbye to a lousy breakup, the opening track earned a top spot on several Spotify playlists including New Noise, PopRox, Beach Vibes, and The New Alt. “100 Rips” trails off of the commencement track and harbors that same feel-good summer sensation. The song is fortified with hip-hop and reggae alms set beneath kaleidoscopic guitar riffs.

“Droptop” hosts an agile rhythm set against fluffy instrumentation featuring background vocals from a longtime friend Micah Brown from Iration. The newest single, “One Day,” is yet another positive portrayal of coming to accept a broken relationship. A shy dose of island vibe confidently backs the percussive element as the narrator confides in partying to alleviate the pressure of the relationship.

Frontman, Andy Chaves shares about the track,”‘‘One Day’ kind of crept upon us. I remember not having any lyrics and just some melody ideas. No one really thought this one would make the cut for the album. Ryan, Matt Keller, and I sat down and wrote the lyrics to it and tracked in less than two hours. I’m glad we went back to it and finished it because it’s one of my favorites on the album.”

Sucker’s conclusive track “Last Call” trades off the high energy and brings the audio landscape back down to a simmer. There’s a boy band-esque feel riddled upon this bittersweet love song.

Overall, Katastro’s Sucker constitutes a positive outlook on situations otherwise proved to be melancholy. The tracks released before today have amassed half a million plays. The release of their sixth studio record coincides with West Coast headlining tour dates beginning July 23rd with a hometown show in Tempe, Arizona. The Sucker Summer Run will also make a stop in Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Sacramento, Albuquerque, and more.

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