From Catalyst Loa’s Biography:
“Greetings! My name is Catalyst Loa. I am a Canadian underground Hip Hop artist currently living in the Interior's sanctuary region, the Kootenays. Of course, that's not the whole story, but it is a darn good summation, if ambiguity and vague descriptions are your kink.”
For more information, visit https://therealcatalystloa.com
Listen to Red City Alumni on Spotify
Catalyst Loa on YouTube
Red City Alumni on Apple Music
Catalyst Loa - Red City Alumni: Fita Capa Dona
ABUM REVIEW - February 27th, 2023
For anyone who has had the privilege to see him live, they know that Catalyst Loa brings a vibrant, living, and welcoming energy that is difficult for others to even keep up with, let alone match. In this issue, Under the Ground looks at his release Red City Alumni: Fita Capa Dona, released in the second half of 2022. The album is available to stream and purchase wherever you consume your music.
Indivual songs have a ratings of 1 to 5, and the overall album/project will recieve a rating from 1 to 10. Both scores are not consequential or reflective of each other, other than what the reviewer notes in their comments. Reviews will ALWAYS be constructive, and never demeaning or belittling of an artist or their work.
Jam! - Red City Alumni starts off with an up-beat tip, with some catchy, dope synths setting off the tone. While it would bump nicely in a club, the song truly feels like a story of appreciating music, wherever you may be. Some uneven vocal mixing aside, a catchy hook that leaves you nodding your head tops off a very unique song, and great intro to Catalyst Loa’s album and energy.
4/5
Here to Steal - A song that commands attention from the first note you hear. The unique beat choice and mixing continues, however, the level of storytelling that Catalyst provides in these verses would put many mainstream lyricists to shame. Dynamic flows, a chorus that leaves you chanting, and multi-pattern rhymes invade a cunning take on an underground rapper’s perspective on those that inspired them.
4.5/5
Bells - The melody captivates you instantly, and the softer side of Catalyst shows through his vulnerable verses. The storytelling theme of the project continues, as with the uneven mixing, unfortunately, but you hardly even care as you nod along with the mystical layers of the beat. This will have you raising your hands in the air, swaying your body with your eyes closed. The strongest trait, without a doubt, is the lyrics - real, painful, and something that anyone can relate to.
4/5
Free - Whenever the bassline kicks in, you already know that this song is going to be the best mixed thus far. And it does NOT disappoint : less of a storytelling track and more of a song of personal strength, all the best elements of Catalyst Loa’s combine here. The female vocalist on the hook is a fantastic touch that really diversifies the flavor of the project overall. Powerful beat choice, with trumpets sounding a triumphant sounding of ability. Less catchy than the other tracks, there is a resounding confidence and longevity that does not take away from its repeatability as a song.
4.5/5
Sky - The second half of the album has a cleaner mix, which every listener will be happy for. The theme of powerful instrumentals, vocals, and hooks continues here, with great effect: the hook on this one is particularly catchy, however, coupled with some dynamic rock and roll sounds that evolve the song as it progresses. As each hook becomes more powerful, the climactic finale leaves the audience engaged and empowered. While the lyrics are not quite as deep, the determination and feeling of the song cannot be ignored.
5/5
Stoner’s Anthem - A stark contrast from the deep of the last song, the chill drumline is a welcome surprise. As the loud bass kicks in, you are already wanting to dip into the haze - a clean mix welcomes lyrics that are equally descriptive and inviting. The hook will have you chanting along and reaching for another hit, a great contrast to the last few songs that were far more serious, and proving Catalyst Loa is incredibly diverse and exciting.
4/5
The New - Ha, that’s funny - its on one of the beats that was produced through L.E Productions, one of our older operating names (Catalyst Loa has purchased new beats from us as well - stay tuned for his new content). I can certainly critique our past work - our mixing on the beat was not on point. However, Catalyst Loa absolutely crushed this beat as his own, with rapid flows, and an incredibly catchy, melodic hook that flexes his dynamic skills further. Many of his songs beg to be played live, and The New is no exception to that: Catalyst feels restricted by what he can only display on through a microphone. Without that knowledge, though, Catalyst Loa shines through a song that combines the best elements of each of his previous songs into one.
4/5
Overall - Catalyst Loa has a sound that you absolutely will not find anywhere else, and Red City Alumni proves that without a doubt. While most artists who this applies to tend to not be so complimentary whenever they are described as such, that is not the case whatsoever with a listen through of this project: captivating storytelling is displayed through high-level rap lyrics, flow, and delivery, all describing the perspective of a highly enthusiastic, energetic, and entertaining individual. While some of the mixing throughout leaves much to be desired, you would be hard-pressed to find another little album that left your stereo banging as hard, left to wonder what else could be in store from the mind of Catalyst Loa.
Listen to Red City Alumni on Spotify
Catalyst Loa on YouTube
Red City Alumni on Apple Music
9/10
POSITIVES:
Unique sound that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
High-level hip-hop ability, with lyricism that would put many mainstream rappers to bed.
Catchy hooks and melodies, coupled with nostalgic drums.
NEGATIVES:
Uneven mixing in the beginning of the album can be distracting.