Purr Gato
Seattle, Washington, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF
Music
Press
Purr Gato’s maiden release “Heart Beat” is an 11-track mélange of smartly crafted modern music that touches on themes of longing, love lost and found, respite and the liberating abandon of being out on the scene. Marked by ethereal vocals, seductive melodies and deeply rooted bass lines, the band’s sound draws from a distinct range of influences– post-punk 70’s, British synthpop of the 80’s and downbeat club of the 90’s– and redefines them for the contemporary listener.
“Heart Beat” features Katrina Kope on vocals and synthesizer, Tyler Kope on synthesizer and percussion and David Levin on drums, with guest performances by Sonja Myklebust on cello and Gary Reynolds on guitar. With the exception of “Unexpected Guest,” which was contributed by Brigid Roney and Mike Svoboda, all of the songs were co-written by the Kopes. There are many notable standouts on this recording. The title track “Heart Beat” is a pulse-propelled statement of desire with come-hither lyrics and cadent vocals that bring to mind Annie Lennox’s “Bare” (but sans the gloom). “Waiting” speaks to another side of the spectrum. The ambient beats deepen the sense of longing and drive home the aching emptiness of unrequited love. “Fed Lies” is a commentary on a broken system and the dishonesty therein. The addition of cello and the use of shifting meters accentuate the ominous grip of the song. “Crazy” could be considered the go-to tune of the disc. From the infectious opening vamp to the hands-in-the-air chorus, this quirky anthem of love gone bad is sure to get bodies on the dance floor. Kope’s brazen wails, slightly reminiscent of Garbage’s Shirley Manson, enhance the romp. Throughout the recording, synthesized bass lines anchor the songs, allowing the melodies and harmonies to float freely. The almost Yin-Yang balance of syncopated articulation and fluid expression is a nice touch.
Katrina Kope’s vocal performance is the highlight of the project. She has spent her career working in a variety of genres including jazz, pop, soul and funk. Her musical vocabulary is deep and her versatility is extraordinary. Yet Kope is a vocal Ninja who uses her powers selectively. She refrains from the excessive adornments and contrived embellishments that have become tediously common among contemporary pop vocalists. Instead, she sings with straight-on honesty, adding subtle flourishes only as the song dictates. She knows her instrument well and also how to use it in a manner that best serves the music. Her voice brings substance to every lyric.
“Heart Beat” is both a respectful nod to the past and an inspiring example of what is possible in the future of electronic music. With this recording, Purr Gato has successfully built on the innovation of early bands such as Human League and Depeche Mode to create new music that is fresh, bold and a lot of fun to listen to. - Katy Bourne
Purr Gato: Katrina Kope’s electro-pop project takes its cues from the more garish, synthy side of ’80s electro (think Depeche Mode instead of New Order). This is a release show for its new full-length Heart Beat. With Thrivealike, Richie Aldente. Columbia City Theater, 4918 Rainier Ave. S., 723-0088, columbiacitytheater.com. 8 p.m. $8 adv./$10 DOS. - Seattle Weekly
"Lead lady Katrina with her iconic filtered vocals and her Moog’n wonderhubby Tyler dropping the bass then picking it right back up again puts you in a funky, mystical place. Their electro-smooth-vibe has been compared to the best acid trip you’ll never forget, and during the last number, Katrina donned the keytar and the crowd was extremely satisfied."
Sabrina Hamliton - Critical Sun
Purr Gato’s song "The Sparrow" from the Heart Beat album, inspired by Mary Doria Russell's "The Sparrow", was featured on Coast to Coast. - Coast to Coast Radio Show
Purr Gato played on Artzone on the Seattle Channel! - Artzone
Discography
"Crazy" - (single)was mashed up & featured on C89.5 in 2011
The Joy Villa/Purr Gato West Coast Tour Promo CD!
- Released April 2012
"Heartbeat" - Purr Gato - Debut Album
- Released June 2013
"The Electric Universe" - 2nd Full Length album - TBA 2016
Photos
Bio
Founded in 2012 by veteran jazz/funk/pop vocalist/composer Katrina Kope (lead singer, primary songwriter and keytar/synth player), along with former new-wave guitarist and trip-hop beat maker Tyler Kope (on synths and percussion), Purr Gato emits an attractive, yet occasionally ominous brand of Dark-Wave-Electro-Clash, combining a wild selection of musical influences to generate their trademark style.
Purr Gato, is an original soul-synth-wave band, that currently calls Seattle their home. When you listen, you might think they garner inspiration from acts like Depeche Mode, or The Knife. Core band members include songwriter Katrina Kope (vox/synth), Tyler Kope (synths), and our new addition, Devin Bews (electric drums).They released their album “Heart Beat” in 2013, followed by releasing music videos for title track “Heart Beat” and “Crazy”, along with a Summer West Coast Heart Beat Tour June 6th - July 20th 2014. Recently, Purr Gato was in Electrokitty Recording Studios finished up the full length album "Our Electric Universe" released 2016.
Below are some interesting links and a short list of our shows to check out.
Cheers!
Purr Gato
Web Links
Website Facebook Youtube Twitter Reverbnation
Music Videos
Heart Beat - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBckKp6GEds
Crazy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzsaEpGnUf8
Live Videos
Let the Beat Go - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FohXAhT8O3U
Keep on Moving - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cawNzbAE88k
Dream Play Love Rock - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N6UOCbc1nE
Mary Jane Live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nvdSnlACK0
Unexpected Guest Live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0oSkR9_JoM
An Interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkQMMX8lO8I
Band Members
Links