The Way On Is the Way Off (Red Vinyl)

The Way On is the Way Off is the fifth and best album for celebrated Hobart, Australia post-punk duo The Native Cats - bassist Julian Teakle and singer and electronics operator Chloe Alison Escott (who released solo album Stars Under Contract via Chapter in 2020).

Spiritual forebears to the current wave of speak-singing post-punk a la Dry Cleaning and Sleaford Mods, The Native Cats have grown a sizeable cult following from their home in Tasmania (Australia’s remote and chilly island state) since the late 2000s. Their minimal bass and drums rumble is offset by Chloe’s lyrics which twist, confound and linger. The band have toured the US and played Memphis’ legendary Goner Fest, been written up by the likes of Stereogum, NPR and Brooklyn Vegan, and performed at the Sydney Opera House.

In 2020, they were riding a growing wave of recognition and admiration following their best run of records to date, culminating in killer double A- side single Two Creation Myths. But the pandemic and Australia’s extended lockdowns brought with them a period of intense loneliness, isolation and despair. Chloe's confidence as a lyricist, singer and performer was at an all- time low.