Pop punk band Catnip Kaiser set to launch Generation Tragedy in Albury

The four-piece band has gained a national and international following for its brand of high-energy music despite tour disruptions and last-minute cancellations owing to the global pandemic; the latest casualty was the Stay Gold Melbourne gig supporting Agnes Manners last Friday.

Catnip Kaiser has been in demand since its catchy tune Sunshine - featuring Ionei Heckenberg from Ocean Sleeper - debuted at #4 on the Alternative iTunes Charts late last year.

To put that into perspective, Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Tones and I took out #1, #2 and #3. Sunshine debuted at #27 overall and peaked at #2 on the Overall Triple J Unearthed charts.

Catnip Kaiser is made up of Jack McDonald (lead vocals), Jayden Lehmann (lead guitar), Josh Armstrong (bass guitar) and Blake Furness (drums).

McDonald, who is the only original member of the group formed in 2018 to play covers at Charles Sturt University - Thurgoona gigs, said Sunshine marked a turning point for the band.

"We got put on a few Spotify playlists," he said.

"A lot of them were UK and US-based and we got a big following in Chile.

"Sunshine put us on the map."

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On Friday Catnip Kaiser will release its new new single Generation Tragedy, which is the title track of their upcoming album.

The album itself will be launched at SS&A Albury on Saturday, September 4.

McDonald said the title came to him when he was soul-searching for words to sum up the experiences of his own generation.

He said Generation Y was at the mercy of technology, for better or worse.

"The single sets the scene for the album," he said.

"The lyrics are my story from the last few years."

Generation Tragedy will have nine tracks including Pull Me Down, which was done in collaboration with Dan Brown, of acclaimed Australian metalcore band, The Amity Affliction.

McDonald said while the global pandemic had been challenging, it allowed creatives to work differently.

"We had six months where the band was separated because Jayden lives in Wodonga but then I've written a song through lockdown with Dan Brown," he said.

Generation Tragedy will be available at the launch on CD with vinyls to come later.

Support acts will be Mary Roll and Chelsea Knight.

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