It’s been a little under two years since Kitten released their self-titled LP. The time since has seen a lot of touring and writing, leading to the new EP out last Friday. This LA group has long been influenced by New Wave and synth pop of the 80’s. Heaven Or Somewhere In Between finds them right in the Spandau Ballet of the beast.

“Fall On Me” opens the album and could easily be mistaken for a track from a John Hughes soundtrack. It’s got that kind of Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark vibe. Chloe Chaidez’s lyrics continue to both contradicts and confirms her youth; her ability to sing from the heart and not get bogged down in clever wordplay is a talent few young songwriters hold. 

Most of the songs on Heaven will feel familiar to anyone who has listened to Kitten before, but there are a few twists and turns along the way. My favorite quirk comes on “Knife.” They throw in some 8-bit sounds that only further authenticates their love for the 80’s. It also features some boy-girl harmonies that sound great (hope they do more of this in the future).

This EP is another step in the right direction, and I’m happy to see the continuing growth of Kitten since I first saw them in 2013. They’ve been doing a lot of support slots for bigger artists, but they’re out for a headlining tour right now. Check their site for dates near you! You can download a copy of Heaven Or Somewhere Else on iTunes.