Tom Katz – Living with Life
Tom Katz’s “Living with Life” is an interesting combination of ethereal soundscapes with post-punk extent, resulting in a music that seems nostalgic and futuristic. The introduction, with a delicate violin and dreamy, ethereal vocals, immediately sets a strange atmosphere. The soft synth pads add to this extraterrestrial atmosphere, drawing the listener into a weird and almost cinematic soundtrack. The vocal approach is especially unique, with Katz using a narrative way that feels more like storytelling than standard singing. His voice has a definite folk music influence, but it is balanced with a futuristic edge reminding of Hawkwind’s spacey rock and the rough fuzziness of post-punk. This mix of music feels new, making it difficult to categorize, as it switches between the rooted traditions of folk and the adventurous patterns of space rock. The music reflects the vocal performance’s growing intensity as the song continues. The addition of fuzzy, distorted guitar creates a stronger, darker atmosphere, pushing the music into 1980s post-punk territory. This transition adds a nightmare dimension, as the first dreamy start transforms into something more dramatic and disturbing. The contrast between these themes provides “Living with Life” elegant complexity. Its experimental edge and distinct vocal style set it apart, expressing melancholy and a feeling of futuristic adventure.
