Cataract
The Walkabouts · 1989
38 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of Americana and alternative rock woven with poignant storytelling and atmospheric instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Bones of Contention — This track features a compelling narrative structure, combining vivid imagery with intricate melodies that capture the album's thematic essence.
-
→
Home as Found — With its introspective lyrics and haunting vocals, this song encapsulates the feeling of searching for belonging amidst uncertainty.
-
→
Long Black Veil — A poignant cover that showcases the band's ability to reinterpret classic material while infusing it with their unique sound and emotional weight.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective flow
- haunting melodies for introspection
- evocative storytelling through music
- ideal for late-night listening
- melancholy vibes with depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Cataract was The Walkabouts' third studio album, following their 1988 debut, Savoy. At this point in their career, they were beginning to carve out a niche within the alternative rock scene, building on their previous sound while expanding their lyrical depth and musical complexity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Red House Painters· Mazzy Star· The Church
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Goodbye (to All That)
The closing lines reflect a stark acceptance of change and loss, marking a transition from nostalgia to resolution.
The shift from reminiscing to an acknowledgment of moving forward illustrates a profound moment of personal growth within the narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Whiskey XXX 2:55
- 2 Hell’s Soup Kitchen 3:24
- 3 Whereabouts Unknown 3:01
- 4 End-in-Tow 3:19
- 5 Bones of Contention 4:37
- 6 Home as Found 2:38
- 7 Smokestack 3:02
- 8 The Wicked Skipper 1:36
- 9 Drille Terriers 2:23
- 10 Specimen Days 3:45
- 11 Long Black Veil 5:01
- 12 Goodbye (to All That) 3:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.