Kittyhawk

Kittyhawk creates a sound that feels like a warm sweater in a drafty house. It is firmly rooted in the Chicago emo lineage, but it swaps out the typical vocal strain for something far more melodic and poised. The guitars are the stars here, weaving intricate, clean patterns that owe as much to jazz and math rock as they do to punk. There is a gentle, shimmering quality to their arrangements that makes even their most energetic moments feel intimate and thoughtful.

What truly sets them apart is the vocal presence of Kate Grube. Her delivery is calm and observational, providing a grounded counterpoint to the restless, twinkling instrumentation. While many of their peers lean into chaos, Kittyhawk leans into clarity. The songs often feel like internal monologues set to a soundtrack of crisp drums and melodic basslines that refuse to just sit in the background.

Start with the album Hello, Again. It captures the band at their most cohesive, blending the technicality of their Chicago roots with a pop sensibility that makes the complex time signatures feel effortless. It is the perfect companion for a long walk through a changing season or a quiet night of reflection.