“Bobcats” by Water Tower

Settling in like a leather-worn saddle, the story line in the new song “Bobcats” rambles through the listener’s spirit like a wind through the prairie grass. Sounding like parts of Americana and weathered country ambers, the trio Water Tower is the band behind this ballad. “Bobcats” delivers feisty lyrics and a stirring music bed just perfect for a night out under the stars.

Based in Los Angeles, Water Tower is comprised of Kenny Feinstein, Joey “Juice” Berglund and Tommy “Dre” Drinkard. “Bobcats” is from the album Fly Around. The band previously recorded under the name Water Town Bucket Boys. Not one to focus on one core sound, Water Tower stirs together a foundation of Cajun, country, bluegrass, Americana, roots, punk and even Native American tones.

“So come on and meet me on the other side of the moon that’s where I’ll live…,” the steady vocals sing. The warm guitar, just the type of guitar playing best around a campfire. A subtle banjo plucks away into the bottom music bed layer. A violin string, just as modest as the banjo, throws its hat into the ring. It’s melody is country twang, with the restlessness of a spitfire.  The violin gives this song a swathing sentiment, a lullaby-like feel. It’s a beautiful dance. “I’ve been chasing and a hope for a bobcat I know, and all that I’ve heard is that she goes to all the kitty cat shows, running from the law is something she does,” the vocals continue. The just under the lead vocals is a beautiful triple harmony. Drifting away into this western like romance, one interpretation of the story line might be that the protagonist yearns for the touch of woman that is always on the lookout for a good time; she bounces from man to man and bends the rules and law at her will. Two kindred spirits that live on the fringe, skirting the law and brandishing their rebel lifestyle. I also think this song is about a completely misunderstood characteristic of men and women. Attaching labels and ideas when things couldn’t be further from the truth. The poetic tale, spread out above the charming music bed is bright with acoustic guitar, coy percussion beats and lingering lyrics.

I enjoyed the dynamic of the harmony, light-hearted music bed meshed with the tricky lyrics. It made for a vibrant song, a what’s going to happen next feeling. There’s a magnetism in the vocals that bring the listener into new corners and different pathways in each listen. Like every great song, “Bobcats” presents a new experience in each listen.  I felt swayed by the story – much like Woodie Guthrie, the storytelling is powerful. While the song is mellow and even flowing, it’s also slightly haunting. Not in a dark way, but in a way that feels eerie. More than anything, it’s an entertaining track. The musicianship is solid and while it didn’t emit a Cajun mood, the undeniable musical pallet that Water Tower exhibits in “Bobcats” is simply their own unique brew.

Michael Rand