Adelaide artists have put out numerous high quality EP releases in 2022 and Cat Lucky’s ‘Darkened Daylight’ is another one to add to that list. Opener ‘Days’ is a pop song with melancholic undertones and a strong melody that has been stuck in my head for, well, days. Luigi Donnarumma’s wistful vocal carries the song, with the sweet verse harmonies floating over reverb drenched guitars and driving drums. It’s an enticing mix, and the combination of a lush arrangement and the sincerity in Donnarumma’s vocals conjures strong emotion. ‘Recharge’ is an ebullient rush of punchy drums and ringing guitars, with a classic pop sensibility. The edgy and slightly offbeat drum track gives the song a sense of forward motion that really brings out the catchy as hell chorus melody.

Things slow down and get a bit weirder with the final two tracks. The dubby ‘W. U.’ rolls along on jittery electronic drums and a rubbery bassline. Woozy vocals and guitars complete the effect. Closing track ‘Wave’ is the closest Cat Lucky gets to a ballad. It’s a slow-moving piece with irresistible harmonies and a classic pop melody. The song is about trying to stay afloat, and the instrumentation and arrangement evoke the ocean – the rhythm section ebbs and flows just like the tides. It’s an immersive track, and one that ends the EP with a sense that while things might be tough, they also might just work out.

Superb production from Matt Schultz is clean without being clinical. Guitars provide melody, texture, and atmosphere in equal measure. Effects are used liberally to enhance rather than overpower the songs. Luigi Donnarumma has built a reputation for writing strong songs and this EP of new material from his Cat Lucky project is no exception – this is his strongest batch of songs yet. If catchy and relatable guitar-based indie pop/rock is your kind of music then this excellent EP is for you.

Cover  by Emerald.