Kitten Reinvent Themselves with EP 'Goodbye Honeymoon Phase'

By Carly Tagen-Dye

Kitten’s newest EP, Goodbye Honeymoon Phase (out October 18 via RED Music), is the early 2000’s pop-rock record that we didn’t know we needed—and then it’s not.

The Brooklyn/LA-based group has always been a bit undefinable in genre. Comprised of frontwoman Chloe Chaidez (formally of Nasty Cherry), Dave Stagno, Parker Silzer IV, Max Tsiring, and siblings Blu and Rex DeTiger, the six-piece band meshes pop with punk, rock with electronica, and never quite lets the listener in on where they’re going next. Goodbye Honeymoon Phase doesn’t fall short of this swerving new style. Its heart, however, lies within the lyrics, which force us to come to terms with what hurts us and helps us grow.

Kitten’s 2018 EP, Pink Champagne, introduced a different direction for the band, shifting away from their past ambiance-focused pieces into something grittier. Goodbye Honeymoon Phase is an introduction to the group’s newfound start, entirely original and out in the open.

“Memphis” ushers listeners into the EP with a boisterous bang, and a bit of nostalgia too. References to being an “Avril kid” are more than just musings; the hard guitar and sound are eerily akin to the angst of Lavigne’s decade. Chaidez sings about holding onto what she once had, but also about letting go. The repetition of the chorus, “I’m just a human,” hits home for those struggling to stay afloat.

“Me,” a new-wave ballad, perfect for screaming out of your car window, emphasizes the band’s lyrical skills. As Chaidez croons “you don’t know what it’s like to be me,” that unrestrained feeling she emotes is certainly relatable.

Maybe it’s the “throwback vibes” or the careful songwriting, but Goodbye Honeymoon Phase feels more familiar than not. Title track “Goodbye Honeymoon Phase” is rooted somewhere in the realm of ’90’s singer/songwriter and modern pop, but nestles itself into our hearts just as easily. “Somehow, it only gets worse,” Chaidez muses, thinking back on the simpler, more satisfying parts of a relationship. She hits on the moments when we find ourselves flailing, emphasizing such with a beat-based, robotic track. We can consider powers balance with “Distraction,” a new wave-esque ballad that places personal needs first.

“Friday’s No Fun Anymore”—perhaps the most powerful piece of this picture—ends the EP with a bit of optimism. Though aching for the past (“Why are Friday’s no fun anymore?”), Kitten keeps listeners who are in the same boat hopeful that there is still a world outside of love. We’re able to move on and find the ability to dance again.

If you come away from this record not quite knowing what to feel, don’t worry. Goodbye Honeymoon Phase is a bit of everything at once, but in a way, that works. Kitten’s ability to make listeners feel is clearly contained: their angst-ridden and emotional lyrics hit hard for anyone who may feel like, they too, are at their wits’ end from time to time.

This EP highlights the band’s developing sound more than anything. Their sound is turning into something atmospheric and euphoric, intriguing and emotive. Whatever the case, this new era of Kitten is one that we are already anxious to see more of.

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