If you’ve ever dived into present day British rock, chances are you’ve encountered Catfish and the Bottlemen. Known for his or her uncooked strength, emotionally charged lyrics, and electrifying stay indicates, the band has carved a devoted international fanbase when you consider their formation.
What Are Catfish and the Bottlemen?
Catfish and the Bottlemen is a British indie rock band formed in Llandudno, Wales, in 2007. The band’s fashion draws from traditional rock, Britpop, and storage rock, attractive to enthusiasts of Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, and The Strokes. They are recognized for anthemic choruses, coming-of-age themes, and frontman Van McCann’s wonderful voice and magnetic level presence.
Band Members
As of 2025, the lineup has visible great shifts:
Van McCann – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2007–present)
Johnny Bond – Lead guitar (joined 2014)
Former individuals include:
Billy Bibby – Original lead guitarist (left in 2014)
Benji Blakeway – Bass guitar (left 2021)
Bob Hall – Drums (left 2021)
The Evolution of Their Sound: Album through Album Breakdown
1. The Balcony (2014)
Their debut album became a platinum-licensed success, achieving No. 10 on the United Kingdom Albums Chart. It featured hits like:
“Kathleen”
“Cocoon”
“Homesick”
The uncooked, high-strength manufacturing and relatable lyrics earned them a BRIT Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2016.
2. The Ride (2016)
Their sophomore album hit No. 1 on the United Kingdom Albums Chart, produced through Dave Sardy (Oasis, Jet).
Key tracks include:
“Soundcheck”
“7”
“Twice”
This document leaned extra into area rock, displaying tighter manufacturing and extra polished songwriting.
3. The Balance (2019)
A barely divisive album, it featured tracks like:
“Longshot”
“Fluctuate”
“Encore”
Critics mentioned a loss of sonic progression, however enthusiasts praised the catchy hooks and stay strength.
4. Upcoming Fourth Album (Expected 2025)
As of early 2025, Van McCann has teased a new track on social media. An authentic excursion became introduced in May 2025, signaling a complete go back. The album is rumored to function as experimental factors at the same time as keeping the band’s signature emotional core.
How to Get Into Catfish and the Bottlemen: A Step-through-Step Guide
Step 1: Start with Their Big Hits
Listen to those on streaming platforms:
“Kathleen”
“7”
“Longshot”
“Cocoon”
Step 2: Watch Their Live Performances
YouTube has severa fan-shot and authentic videos. Look for:
Reading Festival 2016
BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge
Step 3: Dive Deeper with Full Albums
Each album gives a distinct feel. Start from The Balcony and pass ahead chronologically to understand the band’s growth.
Step 4: Explore Fan Communities
Reddit, Discord, and Twitter/X groups provide live performance updates, leaks, and band discussions. Popular hashtags include #CATB and #VanMcCann.
Step 5: Attend a Live Show
Catfish and the Bottlemen are recognized for electrifying performances. In 2025, they’re gambling global fairs and headlining new venues, consisting of Glastonbury and Lollapalooza Paris.
Practical Tips for New Fans
Merch Matters: Authentic band merch is bought through their authentic site. Avoid counterfeits on marketplaces.
Early Tickets: Register on Ticketmaster and set alerts—indicates frequent promotion out in hours.
Follow Official Channels: Their Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube are often updated.
Recent Trends in 2025
1. Comeback Tour & Album Teasers
After an extended hiatus, Catfish and the Bottlemen introduced a 2025 excursion in the UK, Europe, and North America. Teasers advocate collaborations with manufacturers like Mark Ronson and Romy (The xx), hinting at an extra experimental direction.
2. TikTok Revival
Their early hits like “Cocoon” and “Kathleen” have observed a 2d existence on TikTok, utilized in nostalgic or romantic edits. This has delivered Gen Z interest to the band.
3. Fanbase Expansion in Asia
Thanks to Spotify’s algorithmic playlisting, the band has received traction in Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Real-Life Examples of Impact
Lauren, 23 (Manchester): “Listening to ‘7’ helped me technique a breakup. Their track simply feels honest.”
Mike, 30 (Austin, TX): “I noticed them at ACL 2019 and I’ve in no way forgotten the strength. Easily the pinnacle 5 stay acts I’ve seen.”
Ari, 19 (Jakarta): “Their old albums are blowing up on TikTok here. I was introduced to them due to a meme, however now I’m an actual fan.”
Why the Band’s Name Is So Unusual
The call “Catfish and the Bottlemen” got here from an Australian busker “Catfish the Bottleman”, recognized for gambling track with beer bottles. Van McCann met him as a toddler at the same time as on an excursion together with his parents. The call symbolizes their quirky, outsider spirit and love for unconventional artistry.
Common Criticisms and Controversies
Lack of Musical Innovation: Critics frequently say they “play it safe,” specially with The Balance.
Lineup Drama: The departure of key individuals (Benji and Bob) in 2021 caused rumors of inner discord.
Hiatus Confusion: The band went silent from 2021–2024, with McCann vanishing from social media, sparking hypothesis of a breakup.
However, their resilience and go back in 2025 have reinvigorated the fanbase.
Technical Music Breakdown
Catfish and the Bottlemen are praised for his or her melodic but punchy guitar work, emotional lyricism, and conventional verse-chorus-verse structure.
Influences
Oasis
The Kooks
The Cribs
Songwriting
Van McCann writes nearly all lyrics. He focuses on:
Relationships
Youth angst
Personal growth
Music is usually in main keys, makes use of easy energy chords, and has a riding rhythm section.
How many albums do Catfish and the Bottlemen have?
They have launched 3 studio albums to date:
The Balcony – Debut album, launched on 15 September 2014
The Ride – Sophomore album, launched on 27 May 2016
The Balance – Third studio album, launched on 26 April 2019
There isn’t any completely launched fourth studio album yet (as of mid‑2025), even though the band launched the single “Showtime” in February 2024 and featured a brand new album presently in progress.
Did Catfish and the Bottlemen wreck up?
Catfish and the Bottlemen have now no longer formally damaged up, however the band has gone through great lineup adjustments and inner challenges.
Catfish and the Bottlemen UK tour
June – Festival & Outdoor Shows
June 13, 2025 – Heaton Park, Manchester – Headline out of doors concert (Sold Out)
June 15, 2025 – Ormeau Park, Belfast – Belfast out of doors headline display
June 16, 2025 – Fairview Park, Dublin – Dublin out of doors headline display
July 9, 2025 – Glasgow Green, Glasgow – With unique visitors The Wombats and The Fratellis
August – First-Ever UK Stadium Shows
August 1, 2025 – Principality Stadium, Cardiff – Their first-ever stadium headline display in Wales
August 3, 2025 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London – Landmark London stadium concert
Final Thoughts
Catfish and the Bottlemen have validated themselves a pillar of cutting-edge British rock, notwithstanding inner shifts and enterprise pressures. As of 2025, they’re returned to the scene, refreshed and re-energized.
FAQs
Are Catfish and the Bottlemen nevertheless collectively in 2025?
Yes, Van McCann stays in the middle of the band. While most authentic contributors left, the band is actively traveling and releasing new songs in 2025.
Why did the band disappear for some years?
After The Balance tour, inner conflicts and private burnout brought about a hiatus from 2021 to 2024. McCann back in 2025 with new fabric and a made over lineup.
Where can I see them live?
In 2025, they’re traveling in the UK, Europe, and North America, with shows in Manchester, Paris, Toronto, and Chicago. Visit their authentic web website online for dates.
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