Short and concise

Pink Champagne is the new EP from Los Angeles-based band Kitten. Fronted by Chloe Chaidez, Kitten has opened for acts like Young the Giant, Charli XCX and Paramore. Their new release is a quick four songs that make up a 15-minute blend of modern pop and disco.

Opening and titular track “Pink Champagne” is built around a guitar riff that leads the song to high energy heights. Chaidez sings, “You always said I was wrong but you needed help / You only string me along and think of yourself / Was a fool for the glamour, but you’re gonna see / Just how it feels without me,” as the guitar builds, culminating in a solo that triumphantly fades out into the high-tempo “I Did It!” This time Chaidez begs and questions, wondering why she ever left New York for Los Angeles. The guitar takes a more subdued, yet still prominent role. Still, the happiness is palpable as it is clear Chaidez learned from her mistake. She takes ownership, singing, “And I don’t know why I did it / But I did it, I did it.”

On “Strange Embrace,” the guitar is mostly lost as disco influences take their most prominent and unashamed appearance. Chaidez sounds like she’s in a trance as she sings the pre-chorus, “You’re picking her up / You’re gaining her trust / You’re taking too much now / It’s never enough.” This is where the band is most cynical, asking biting questions and hurling accusations such as, “You’re taking too much now / It’s never enough / And you may have the world under your covers / But you’re still so lonely, I can see it in your eyes.” This EP has a wide variety of themes, and this is where the band gets most introspective.

Kitten has had a tumultuous history, with multiple band members leaving at various times and later re-returning. In this project, Chaidez and her surrounding band manage to produce a multi-layered project worthy of more material. For a 15-minute sampling of what Kitten can do, this is an impressive release. Hopefully, they can take this further with their next one.