Cat Cork’s latest single, Promise Me, feels like a heartfelt letter wrapped in the tender embrace of indie folk melodies. This enchanting track, signals a brighter and a more optimistic chapter in Cat’s musical journey, a transition from the heavier tones of her earlier 2024 tracks’ versions into a sound brimming with more positivity and warmth.
Written and recorded in her home studio in Woy Woy, Australia, Cat partnered with longtime collaborator Cameron Taylor and a global ensemble of talented musicians from Musiversal. The result is a beautiful tapestry of gentle guitar strums, ethereal cello lines by Ben Trigg, and understated percussion that gives the song a breezy, nostalgic quality.
The lyrics of Promise Me embody the kind of love that feels grounded, slow, and enduring. With lines like “Promise me you’ll never build a boat, stay with me inside my winter coat”, Cat invites listeners into an intimate moment of vulnerability and connection, a soft reminder of love’s ability to anchor us amid life’s uncertainties.
Equally compelling is the song’s visual counterpart, a vintage-inspired film clip directed by Milo Cawthorne and Ella Hope-Higginson. Shot on Super 8 film, the black-and-white aesthetic adds a layer of timeless charm, underscoring the song’s theme of finding solace in simplicity.
Despite being recorded remotely with contributions spanning Brazil, the UK, Ireland, and Costa Rica, the track feels cohesive and personal, a testament to Cat’s artistry and collaborative spirit. The unconventional late-night sessions, made possible by time zone differences, allowed for seamless creativity while balancing her day-to-day responsibilities.
Promise Me is an experience of gentle wisdom, reflecting on an eventful 2024 with hope and clarity. It’s a sweetly slow love letter to resilience and the beauty of staying grounded, made all the more magical by Cat Cork’s ability to connect through heartfelt storytelling and lush soundscapes.
For fans of indie folk or anyone seeking a soothing sonic escape, Promise Me is the perfect companion, a beacon of light and a reminder of the importance of slowing down our lives a bit; probably something to consider adding to this year’s resolution!