Los Angeles, California based Gen Z alt. pop singer/songwriter, Cate Tomlinson has recently dropped her sophomore EP, "The Side Effects of You".
TRACKLIST
The Ring of Fire
Half Lover
MY EX FRIEND Like the boys
Strawberry Moon
Side Effects
Originally from San Francisco, Cate Tomlinson started out playing the piano when she was younger, which turned into a passion for writing lyrics and crafting melodies. She went on to attend college in Boston, Massachusetts where she graduated from the Music Industry program at Northeastern University. During her time in college in 2022, she released her debut single, "notes app apology". She continued to release a handful of singles before graduating and moving back to California, this time to Los Angeles, where she'd release her debut EP in 2023 titled "Blueberry Season". Cate caught the attention of the indie music scene with her vulnerable storytelling and captivating soundscapes, now currently pushing 80k+ monthly Spotify listeners. With the release of her second EP, "The Side Effects of You", Cate is ready to take things to the next level by giving us her most honest and bold project yet to come. Let's get into these tracks!
The Ring of Fire
We kick off the EP with "The Ring of Fire", a haunting dark pop banger about how easily manipulated you can be by toxic people when you're a good person who just wants to love and be loved. Cate uses her compelling storytelling skills to create an analogy for this song, where the boy she's singing about is actually the real life devil; someone made of pure evil who is trying to get her to sacrifice herself with the promise that they'd get to be together forever in the afterlife. This is just a twisted game they play because they enjoy seeing you suffer, while you've been mesmerized and hypnotized by their enigmatic charm. It's like you're under a spell, and you can't resist the temptation even if deep down you know it's a bad idea to trust them. With a heavy bass and beat plus minimalistic alt. pop production, Cate puts heavy emphasis on stunning vocals and a very eerie atmosphere to make you feel the seriousness of this situation.
Half Lover
Next we have "Half Lover", which was the first single to be released last year in anticipation for the EP release, and it debuted with a music video! Shot on 16mm film by award-winning director Luigi Calabrese, the "Half Lover" music video is giving classic horror movie vibes with a twist. Let's just say, don't mess with Cate Tomlinson. "Half Lover" is about being in a situationship where you're in love with someone that is leading you on. One second they make you feel like you're the love of their life, and they next second you haven't heard back from them in days. They only want you when it's convenient for them and they have no consideration for you feelings whatsoever. This song takes a pop/rock approach with heavy electric guitar and crashing drums while still keeping dark pop undertones with synthesizers. Cate sings powerfully and unapologetically, giving this song an anthemic feel.
MY EX FRIEND
"MY EX FRIEND" is about exactly what it is titled. Cate wrote this song to turn a negative situation into a banger of a song, and probably one of the most catchy diss tracks of all time. Long story short, Cate was betrayed by someone who was supposed to be one of her closest friends - unforgivably betrayed. She channeled all of her hurt and anger into making this song instead of doing something else that she could regret later on. Not only would she now have a song to listen to for herself when she needed to release these emotions, but she'd now be gaining success off of the situation while her ex friend has to live with herself. Cate sings, "what a waste getting even, I could use you for success". "MY EX FRIEND" has a hip-hop inspired beat with distorted production and a staccato hook that is just catchy beyond belief. The lyrics will have your jaw on the floor; they are written so well and you can tell that Cate needed to get this out. I wouldn't want to be this ex friend.
Like the boys
"Like the boys" is a wholesome gay-awakening song about finding a girl that gives you feelings in a way that usually boys do, or have in the past. There's something special about her and you catch yourself falling - and others are noticing it to. The thing is though, it doesn't bother you at all. You're just ready to finally have someone in your life that makes everything feel right. This song is a very upbeat, nostalgic pop Summer jam. It has a popping bass and is filled with bright guitars and synths. It's the kind of music that makes you want to get up and dance around your room, or go driving with your windows down. It's so exciting and celebratory. I'd say it's the most radio-worthy, commercial pop sounding song on this EP so far, in a very good way!
Strawberry Moon
"Strawberry Moon" holds a deep meaning for Cate and is very personal, but it's also very relatable for all of us out there who deal with our own specific season depression episodes. Cate explained that the first full moon of June is usually the color pink, and is also around the same time her Summer depression kicks in. She never fails to feel down at this same time every year, and this cycle inspired her to write "Strawberry Moon". This track is very gentle in it's nature; it takes more of a soft indie pop approach with some 60's influence. It's very raw but reverb heavy across all instruments while Cate showcases her gorgeous, emotional falsetto vocals.
Side Effects
Last but not least, we have "Side Effects" which is considered the focus track for the EP. This song is a ballad about the aftermath of dealing with a relationship and breakup that drained the life out of you. The healing process can be just as difficult, and sometimes when you think you're finally okay, the pain starts creeping back in out of nowhere. Sometimes you feel like no matter what you do, you're never going to escape the damage they've done to you. The track starts out with orchestral strings and slowly builds with drums, until we reach a full on rock'n'roll instrumental break down after the second chorus. The emotion continues to run high as we come back down for the outro refrain. This track was the perfect song to end the EP on.
Cate Tomlinson doesn't need to prove to anybody that she is incredible. This EP is masterpiece after masterpiece; there are no skips. Her authentic, expert lyricism and honest, relatable storytelling mixed with the addicting, diverse variety of soundscapes and her beautiful voice makes for an artist that any music lover can enjoy. She's making her mark and the best part is she's still only just getting started. I can only see things going up from here for Cate Tomlinson. Make sure to follow her on her socials below to keep up on what's to come!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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