Catapult the Rhino is a Parisian band with something to prove. Like Honeybadger (Greece) or Stonus (Cyprus), they’ve delivered an extremely mature album (or, in this case, an EP) that is set to dazzle listeners.
To be fair, this isn’t Catapult the Rhino’s first at bat. The band released Vous Etes Bien Exigeants (which translates to “You are very demanding”) in late 2017, and although it didn’t receive worldwide fanfare, it did establish Catapult the Rhino’s sound: fun, vibrant Alt Rock with occasional Stoner overtones (check out their track “Stoner” as an example)—music written for dancing and drinking at live shows.
That’s an infectious mix.
With T (H) E N, Catapult the Rhino refines that sound even further.
Even on record, Catapult the Rhino sounds like an excellent live act stuffed to the gills with infectious guitar hooks and vocal choruses.
They may be Parisian, but we’re hoping they cross the Atlantic soon.
About Catapult the Rhino
Catapult the Rhino is:
- Alexandre Boutin – Guitar
- Christophe Feuerstoss – Drums
- Guillaume Lorho – Vocals
- Clément Porteman – Bass
T (H) E N was recorded (Le Studio du Poisson Barbu), produced, and mixed by Leonard Mule and mastered by Leonard Mule (Phase Mastering Studio).
It was released on June 15, 2021.
T (H) E N EP Review
Tracks: 5
Length: 21:26
Track One – Rhino
With a slick drum intro, a slightly overdriven guitar, and a distorted bass, “Rhino” immediately hits as a solid live set starter.
“Rhino” features a catchy interlude with a compelling breakdown that encourages frontman interaction and crowd chanting.
After the funky bass solo, the outro is incredibly catchy—one that’s bound to stick in your head.
Track Two – Icarus
No matter how you slice it, Greek mythology has a way of hopping onto Stoner Rock records. Here, of course, we have the story of Icarus, the young man who flew too close to the sun.
The fuzz tones here are very much early Smashing Pumpkins (think Siamese Dream); you can capture much of this tone with the Electro Harmonix Big Muff, the JHS Muffuletta, or a digital plugin!
The bass tone here is as thick as a slab of concrete, filling up the center channel harder than the kick drum.
Guillaume Lorho puts on a great vocal performance on “Icarus.” We fully expect people to hold up their beers and sway to this one at live shows!
Track Three – Perfectly High
Although “Perfectly High” starts off like a Clutch track, it soons pulls in that classic dynamic drop that was made famous during the Grunge years.
The vocals here reminds me of a younger Corey Taylor with a slight Blues twist—lots of pain, lots of soul. This is a powerful Blues-driven track with enticing guitar licks.
“Perfectly High” would make a stellar track to play as an encore.
Track Four – Natural Enemies
The main riff in “Natural Enemies” packs some serious attitude, allowing guitarist Alexandre Boutin to shine bright.
The pre-chorus holds a small taste of John Garcia falsetto, then the main chorus rips open for the heaviest riffage on the entire record.
Kudos to the rhythm section: the bass and melodies work well with the drums!
The intro chants are infectious, and “Natural Enemies” will definitely be a great song to see live.
Track Five – Made in Nowhere
“Made In Nowhere” is a mystical track with true desert vibes even before the first lyric is uttered.
At first, I hear early Queens of the Stone Age with some Layne Staley harmonies sprinkled in for good measure.
Here you’ll find very tasteful guitar work—a hybrid between ‘90s Rock vibes (think Incubus and Brandon Charles Boyd) crossed with Robert Rodriguez.
Final Thoughts
Final Score: 8/10
Standout Track: “Natural Enemies”
Pros: This is an EP with great guitar, great voice, and solid bass. Bottom line: T (H) E N is a fun record that gives us a glimpse into what they have in store for us at their live shows.
Cons: The drums could have been a bit thicker in the mix. I also find it interesting that we have a Parisian band stepping up to the Stoner Rock table and decided to sing in English. It makes me wonder: What would it sound like to have some authentic local language thrown in there?
Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about Catapult the Rhino, check them out on social media (Facebook or Instagram), Bandcamp, or Spotify.