Catlea: Bones (EP)
Following the overwhelming reception of previous singles “Like Me,” “Lying,” and “Crumbling,” which have collectively garnered over two million streams, Catlea continues to rise with momentum. The Cincinnati native’s latest single, “Bones,” is set to drop at the end of October as the lead track from their upcoming Bones EP, which will include the previously released singles. The EP serves as a precursor to Catlea’s much-anticipated full-length debut album, Language Barrier, set for release on January 17th, 2025.
Catlea’s career has been marked by outstanding critical acclaim, with praise coming from notable outlets such as It’s All Indie ("incredibly anthemic"), Clout ("engrossing and immersive"), and TotalNtertainment ("raw and powerful vocals"). With nearly four million streams on Spotify, it’s clear that Catlea is carving out a distinct and captivating presence in the music scene.
The eclectic artist continues to defy genre boundaries with “Bones,” seamlessly blending indie-pop, soul, R&B, and even a hint of disco into a unique, groove-laden track. This genre-bending fusion reinforces the observation made by Good Music Radar that Catlea is a "sonic collager," creating rich, textured soundscapes that invite listeners to explore. The song’s blend of musical elements provides a sonic playground that captures the vastness of human emotion and experience, showcasing Catlea’s versatility and musical ingenuity.
At its core, “Bones” tackles the universal and often painful experience of breakups. The song delves into the complexities and contradictions that arise when a relationship ends, particularly the emotional turmoil and feelings of isolation that often follow. Through honest and vulnerable lyrics, Catlea navigates the aftermath of a breakup, addressing the confusion of wondering what went wrong and the frustration of not being able to move on, even as one grows tired of talking about it. “Bones” expands the conversation beyond the breakup itself, shining a light on the messy, lingering emotions that continue to haunt after the initial hurt has subsided.
While processing the end of a relationship can feel like a heavy and burdensome task, Catlea makes this emotional journey feel more accessible and relatable. With their transparent and authentic songwriting, “Bones” becomes a kind of musical therapy—an emotional release for listeners who might be feeling similarly lost or overwhelmed. Catlea’s honeyed vocals give the track a cathartic quality, turning the song into both a beautiful confessional and a shared moment of healing.
By laying bare their own vulnerabilities, Catlea creates a safe space for listeners to explore their own feelings of uncertainty and heartbreak. The song reassures those who are struggling with the idea that it’s okay to not be okay and that it’s okay for things to not make sense. The lyricism in “Bones” offers a quiet but powerful resolution: “I may be lost right now, but I’m learning—and ready to move on.” It’s a reminder that even in the midst of emotional chaos, there is always the potential for growth and eventual healing.
Interestingly, “Bones” almost didn’t make it onto Language Barrier. It wasn’t until the final stages of album production at Barcelona’s Room To Studio, when producer Jason Boshoff and guitarist Oscar Garcia-Bragado heard the demo version, that they urged Catlea to include it. After finishing the song in one night, Catlea now considers “Bones” one of the strongest tracks on the album.
As Catlea continues to build on their already impressive catalog, “Bones” only adds to their reputation as an artist who isn’t afraid to explore raw, real emotions through captivating and genre-defying music. The release of Bones and the upcoming album Language Barrier promise to showcase even more of Catlea’s multifaceted artistry, as they continue to create a sound that is all their own, deeply personal, and incredibly resonant.