The first new music from Cats of Transnistria in five years brings the epic
On May 10th 2024, Cats of Transnistria will release new music for the first time in five years, taking their expression to new paths. The single “Big Sleep” is a story about dreaming. A sweeping epic in all forms “Big Sleep” brings new elements to the Cats of Transnistria sound without sacrificing the innate essence of what makes the band so special and iconic.
“The new songs really sound new, but at the same time still just like us. We have been focused on our other projects for a long time, and the break has done us good. Now making new music together has felt wonderful and inspiring” says Henna Emilia Hietamäki. “Big Sleep started with a beat, like all our new songs. The beat and bass lines have brought a new kind of freedom, airiness and experimentation to the song-making process and playing. Influences can be found, for example, from the dreary side of the 1980’s,” says Tuomas Alatalo.
Listen to “Big Sleep”
Music by Tuomas Alatalo & Henna E. Hietamäki
Lyrics by Henna E. Hietamäki
Production by Tuomas Alatalo
Mastered by Pekka Tuomi
Photos by Tekla Valy
Initial Reactions
“…you’ll be ripped from your roots when the 3:15 minute mark hits, crashing against you with thunderous beauty.” Austin Town Hall
“…laced with fuzzed-out abrasive swelling riffs, and swept by dramatic diaphanous synth drifts, to build a dark melancholic aura encapsulated by angelic vocals, longing in lovelorn harmonies of otherworldly beauty.” White Light/White Heat
“With ‘Big Sleep’, Cats of Transnistria reaffirm their status as pioneers of the genre, delivering a poignant and evocative piece that leaves listeners yearning for more. This is dream pop at its most sublime—a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and sonic prowess.” Tits Upon Tyne
“In typical fashion, Cats Of Transnistria melds elements of dreampop, post rock, darkwave, and slowcore into an immersive whole. The new release presents the band in a notably creative mood, finely combining sentimentality with melodicism to form a cohesive and compelling unit.” Destroy/Exit
“…the track promises to captivate listeners with its unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. Fans of the great 4AD sound, should immediately proceed!” Last Day Deaf
“The Cats certainly got the cream with this one. It’s powerful, emotive, and highly listenable throughout.”
Nordic Music Central
“…the first offering from Cats of Transnistria in half a decade, leaving a mark with its gentle vocals, evocative synth arrangements, and an enchanting, hypnotic ambiance” Darkenin Heart
“”A number of grandiose sounds, of strong, tribal beats, making the bed for ethereal vocals and a very beautiful, epic, contemplative and intense atmosphere.” Heatwave
“The Finnish band did something rare” preview via Rumba
“…taking their expression in new directions” Soulwavez
Cats of Transnistria 2024 by Tekla Valy
Upcoming shows
10.05.2024 Vastavirta-Klubi, Tampere w/t NYOS, ŠAMANE
22.05.2024 Siltanen Helsinki
Cats of Transnistria was founded by Tuomas Alatalo and Henna Emilia Hietamäki in Helsinki in 2014. Their sound combines dream pop, post-rock, dark wave, softness and noise. Cats of Transnistria has released three full-lengths and one EP, which have gathered loyal listeners and beautiful words from critics worldwide. On the albums Opium and Aligning the band had the pleasure of working together with violinist Sanna Komi. During their career, Cats of Transnistria has performed at numerous festivals both in Finland and abroad – including Flow Festival, Lost in Music, Ja Ja Ja London.
DISCOGRAPHY
Aligning, LP 2019 (Soliti)
Opium, LP 2018 (Soliti)
Divine, LP 2016 (Soliti)
Away, EP 2015 (Soliti)
Social media
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