WATCH: With Confidence shares “Big Cat Judgement Day”
WATCH: With Confidence shares “Big Cat Judgement Day”
The band uses music to lift spirits up, in light of global change.
Words by: Ysabela De Ocampo
With Confidence unveil their latest single, “Big Cat Judgement Day” and it’s accompanying video. It’s their first release since their 2018 album, Love and Loathing. With Confidence returns with the addition of a permanent band member. The band spent the last year rejuvenating their creativity, and today share a song inspired by uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.
“Big Cat Judgement Day” radiates the classic With Confidence energy — opening with a contagiously catchy hook, a staple in most With Confidence tracks. “And lately I’ve been wishing That the fire in the kitchen would grow higher. I’ve been waiting for at least 4 days. Runaway!” Riffy guitars jingle in the back and are accompanied by an energetic drum beat to drive the track along. Singer Jayden Steely takes the forefront in the verses occasionally adding harmonies to widen the sound of the track. Before kicking into choruses, guitars get a moment to soar and echo the melody, further cementing the hook in our minds. Despite the inspiration of the song being full of unease and agony, the band delivers a high-spirited iteration of their uncertain emotions in light of the pandemic.
The music video for “Big Cat Judgement Day” reflects the light-hearted spirit of the band. It’s almost a parody the worlds fears during lockdown. The storyline follows a young woman post-pandemic. Nothing goes right and her day grows into a chaotic escape from the big cats that have taken over her city. Every corner she turns, a cat-masked person is waiting to chase her down. The band members make their periodic cameos, adding a comedic touch.
The band’s newest member, Scott McLaughlin speaks on writing “Big Cat Judgement Day” during the height of the pandemic. “Dealing with isolation and empty streets while we were recording the album, It was the first 6 weeks of lockdown so we were processing and writing in real-time. I kept seeing all these stories & articles about wildlife filling city streets and thriving in habitats that would normally be too dangerous or busy for them. Got me thinking about what would be left if all us humans really did get wiped out by the pandy. Who’d be left? Tigers… probably.” McLaughlin is the bands longtime friend and touring guitarist. Steely announces, “He’s been a phenomenal friend and a driving source of enthusiasm and optimism on the road… At this point it’s clear we simply wouldn’t be where we are without Scott, so please join us today in welcoming him as an official member of With Confidence!”
With Confidence is Australian pop punk band under Hopeless Records. Their influences include bands like All Time Low, Blink-182 and Yellowcard. The band has two full length albums, Better Weather and Love and Loathing — and has spent the last year writing and recording album number three. For fans of Mayday Parade, Stand Atlantic, Waterparks and State Champs, lend an ear to With Confidence. The band looks forward to connecting with everyone upon the return of touring in the future.
