‘Vicious Delicious’ Luvcat
Written by Paula Kowalska
With a thrilling and enigmatic backstory full of mystery and allure, Luvcat has burst onto the scene with a darkly seductive sound that has you hooked from the beginning. A star in the making, Sophie Morgan has worn the persona of Luvcat as though it’s second nature to be this gothic heroine that you just can’t stop but be immersed in. The sound of the key twisting on a music box leading into the album opener ‘Lipstick’ is a perfect scene setter, a glamorous yet twisted love song about being molded for the sake of affection. A strong opener and already a crowd favourite, with the single release being one that would have been an introduction to her for most, thanks to curated social media posts that teased it pre-release and at live shows.
‘Alien’, one of the few tracks that didn’t get a single release pre-album rollout, details feeling out of the norm, knowing that you don’t belong in a certain place, and coming to terms with that. It’s a catchy tune and a slight step back from the more sultry vibe of the first song within the album, but a welcome reprieve and more personal insight with stunning, strong vocals.
‘Matador’ slips seamlessly back into the original vibe of the record, with reference to Liverpool’s Kazimier Garden (which also earns its own interlude) and details of a toxic relationship, wanting love but getting nothing but carnage, with standout lyrics “I came crawlin’ in on all fours” rasping out with emotion that grips you from start to finish.
The Parisian, Moulin Rouge-esque brass section continues throughout the record with ‘Dinner @ Brasserie Zedel’ and ‘He’s My Man’, the dark love ballad that has captured the hearts of most, becoming Luvcat’s most popular track by far.
Title-track ‘Vicious Delicious’ with its strings and catchy chorus, a struggle for desire for someone, and getting involved when they are clearly not good for you. ‘Love & Money’ is a fun indie pop tune in reference to making a “movie”. The mood shifts with ‘Spider’, a somber ballad of untrust and deceit, the song ending on a strong and powerful vocal performance. It’s clear why, with tracks such as these, Luvcat has been able to build up such a dedicated fanbase; her sound and storytelling are stellar throughout the album.
‘Emma Dilemma’ hits with muted drums and bass throughout, a playful and eerie contrast to ‘Laurie’, a ballad full of ‘what-ifs’ and morbid thoughts about love lost.
The cheeky ‘Blushing’ with strong riffs and lyrics of desperate love is a perfect tie into the theatrical album finisher ‘Bad Books’. The deep piano notes and brass section transport you into a burlesque dreamscape, a promise to ‘always be in the bad books’. It is over-the-top and fits perfectly into the persona of the mischievous and passionate character, a finale that encapsulates the bold debut and leaves you trapped in the twisted world of Luvcat, wanting more.
